7. Styling Oversized Container Gardens
Plants bring life, color, and texture to an otherwise hard exterior space. Adding oversized container gardens to your front porch is one of the easiest ways to soften hard architectural lines and create a lush, welcoming atmosphere. Instead of cluttering your porch with dozens of tiny, mismatched flower pots, opt for two large planters placed symmetrically on either side of your front door. Large containers make a bold visual statement and require less frequent watering than small pots because they hold more soil moisture. When selecting planters, choose weather-resistant materials such as heavy-duty resin, fiberglass, or glazed ceramic that match your color palette. To fill your large pots efficiently and keep them from becoming overwhelmingly heavy, fill the bottom third with lightweight packing peanuts or empty plastic bottles before adding potting soil. Use the classic thriller, filler, and spiller design formula for professional-looking arrangements. Plant a tall, striking thriller in the center, such as ornamental grass, a dwarf evergreen, or a tall spike plant. Surround it with colorful filler plants like petunias, begonias, or hostas, and add trailing spiller plants like sweet potato vine or ivy to cascade gracefully over the edges of the pot. Water your new container garden thoroughly and enjoy the vibrant, living artwork that greets every visitor.