It’s a time of new growth and renewal. Give your porch a springtime spruce-up with these tips for creating pretty potted plants and spectacular accents from our latest special issue, Southern Gardens 2020.
CHOOSE A CONTAINER
Options abound—iron, ceramic, terra-cotta, plastic, concrete, or foam will work just fine—and an eclectic collection can be unified with paint. Remember, a fresh coat of a cheerful color can revive even the saddest of pots.
PLAY WITH PLANTS
Gardeners adhere to the “thrillers, spillers, and fillers” theory of container design, and it’s easy to follow. Choose thrillers (tall, eye-catching plants) for the center of the pot, spillers (trailing plants) to cascade down the sides, and fillers (prolific growers) to fill in the spaces between.
EDIBLE ARRANGEMENT
Consider growing cabbages, kale, and other salad greens alongside flower annuals. Another delicious option is a mini herb garden—rosemary, oregano, thyme, and chives all do well in containers. You’ll have all the ingredients for a healthy dinner waiting at your doorstep.
Don’t forget to pick up a copy of our Southern Gardens 2020 issue for even more seasonal inspiration and gardening tips!
