Beautiful Container Ideas for Your Potted Garden Oasis

Gardening in containers is a super easy way to dress up your porch or patio, add a pop of color to shaded areas, or deal with poor soil in your yard. “Many plants thrive in containers,” says Barbara Wise, author of Container Gardening for All Seasons. “The most important thing is good drainage. Make sure there is a hole in the bottom of your pot so the plants don’t drown. Also, read the label or speak to the nursery to learn which plants will do well in your specific conditions, such as full sun or shade.”

Since your outdoor potted plants require more water than their in-ground counterparts, you should be aware of their location. For secluded spots, choose drought-tolerant plants like succulents. If you have some thirstier plants in the mix, place them near a water source. Check the soil moisture of your containers daily for the first week after planting to determine how often to water.

When it comes to design, we all know the container gardening adage: choose a thriller, a filler, and a spiller. But here are a few more guiding ideas to keep in mind.