I have been told by many of my clients and friends, that they can always tell the gardens and outdoor living spaces I have designed. Perhaps what gives them away is the fact that I like to incorporate at least a couple of beautiful appropriate urns. In the garden, I feel they create a focal point to an area which I would like to give importance, while on a patio I like to use urns to incorporate planting and add softness to the space.
When selecting a planter, or a pair of urns – I like to think of the architecture of the house—so start by identifying what style your home is, and choose the appropriate styled pots. Then select the location you would like to add an urn. Perhaps you want to flank your front door with a couple of urns. Or, you could use one urn in front of a beautiful window – to not only give this window importance from the front yard, but also create a lovely vignette for you to enjoy from the inside. I always select pots that are appropriately scaled—if you are adding pots to a two story house you want these urns to be at minimum 28” – 33” tall. In front of a window – you need an overall height of 36” – 48” depending on the height of your window. Height can also be added by the plants you choose to install in these urns. Large urns allow you the option to fill them with beautiful color instead of just one plant and they also retain more water – making them easier maintenance for us in the summer. If you are looking to add interest to your patio – perhaps you want to choose a cluster of pots, different sizes work best when using pots in a cluster. Or, for a contemporary feel perhaps you want to flank the patio with four pots, one at each corner. The places we can use planters are endless and these beautiful urns will always add interest to your space.
Fall and winter is my favorite time for planting and adding color to urns. Here in Houston we are lucky to be able to enjoy our outdoor space all through these months and our winter color is stunning! Fillers, Thrillers and Spillers, is a rule we often follow when it comes to container gardening. Here are some of my favorites which can be used in the winter here.
Alyssum – I am particularly fond of White Alyssum – this has a lovely scent, spills beautifully out of the edges of pots so can be used as a spiller, however it can also be used as a mounding plant if a filler is needed.
Pansy and Violas – These come in an array of color – I like to use them as fillers.
Petunia —The Wave varieties of Petunias, and the Supertunias are great for cascading out of pots – spillers. The carpet and mambo series can be used as fillers.
Dianthus Amazon & Jolt – I am not a big fan of the regular short Dianthus, however I love the Amazon and Jolt series of Dianthus. These bear a cluster flower atop a fairly long stem and are prolific bloomers. Try Dianthus Jolt Pink, or Amazon Neon Purple or Rose Magic as a filler
Cabbage and Kale —These ornamentals can be very effective when used in planters.
Lobelia – Electric blue flowers are stunning for our Fall/Winter planters – I use this both as a spillers and fillers.
Snap Dragon Sonnet or Solstice Series —These again come in an array of color and bloom endlessly well into Spring. Use this as a Thriller.
Stock Katz – If you are looking for scent, this plant is a must. I love the gray foliage and pastel blooms — a fabulous thriller.
Delphinium – This plant should be planted any time after late December here in Houston – it will bloom in early spring with wonderfully bright purples, blues and white flowers. Use a thriller.
Erysimum – This plant is sadly underused in Houston, I love it as it provides cheerful orange or yellow blooms that are scented. Use this plant as a filler.
Phlox – Phlox comes in a variety of colors and blooms well in Fall and Winter months. Use this as a filler.
So remember when designing your planters and urns this season follow the rule : use thrillers, fillers and spillers.
Send me a picture of your favorite winter urn to enter into our Container Gardening contest! I will be accepting entries from Tuesday , December 6th- Tuesday, December 13th . The winner will have their picture featured on my next blog and receive a $25 gift card to our garden center. Please send your photos to mardel@bayareadesign.net Here are some of my favorite urns used in my designs.
I would love to see what you come up with!
Ciao Mardel
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