design ideas
pots of
style
style basics The modern look is all about clean lines, architectural plants and pops of colour. Bold shapes and muted greys complete the look.
modern look
styling by adam robinson photography by natalie hunfalvay
classic look COLOUR The cool palette of purples, blues, whites and greys marries the plants, pots and furnishings to form an inviting outdoor space.
POT GROUPS Choose pots with similar textural qualities or colouring so they look fantastic grouped together, or split into smaller clusters. Mix and match to suit you and your plants.
STYLE BASICS The classic look is all about soft textures and delicate flowers. Sophisticated colours help set the scene.
SOFT TOUCH Use pretty perennials bursting with flowers for a cottage garden feel. Fine leaf textures and dainty features also add to the overall classic look.
FLEXIBILITY Choose furniture with multiple uses, and pots that can be moved around to create different configurations. Here, stools double as side tables to allow the space to be used for all occasions.
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Plants courtesy of alpine nurseries CLASSIC LOOK products Eco pot, David edmonds noodle pots in ivory (small and medium), wood fired barrel pot, antique dagar eski and marble mortar from Garden life; ida stool, barwon stool and scatter cushion from eco outdoor; paper series coffee cup, polka dot cushions and bemboka chunky cable throw from the design hunter. Modern Look products softline planters and scatter cushions from tait; eco pot from garden life; watego coffee table from eco outdoor; corky carafe and linen Turkish towel in turquoise from the design hunter; pop and scott pot from tait
Create a classic or modern setting in your garden with these pointers for co-ordinating pots, plants and colours
COLOURWAYS Use contrasting patterns and colours in soft furnishings to add drama. The pop of lime does this while integrating with the same colour highlights in the surrounding plants.
PLANT SHAPES Choose plants that have different sculptural forms in their foliage shapes. The colourings and structural aesthetic create harmony.
STREAMLINE Select pots that have uninterrupted clean lines, curved edges and the same tonal range for a sleek look.
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design ideas
step by step
planting for impact
Potted plants are a great way to bring colour and cheer to a garden during winter. For an instant pick-me-up, pot up a mass-planted display and pop it near the back door
creating
a focal point
ake a group of pots with differing •M
1.
GETTING STARTED Arrange plants while still in their pots to decide which ones to put where. Use the ‘fill, thrill and spill’ formula. This means you’ll need something tall that will fill a large portion of the pot; then a mid-height plant with a distinctive feature, such as shape or colour, in its leaf or flower; and a cascading plant to flow over the rim. Aim to have a mix of plants with varying leaf size, texture and colour.
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PLANTING UP With the central plant embedded in the potting mix, add the others around it, one plant at a time. Pack potting mix around each one, firming down as you go. Once all plants are in, level off the potting mix and pat it all down. Allow space between the potting mix level and the top of the pot to add mulch.
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TO FINISH Water well to settle in the plants. We recommend a little upkeep for best results, such as snipping, deadheading and fertilising. This display features Anigozanthos ‘Bush Pearl’, A. ‘Pink Beauty’, Echinacea purpurea, Sutera cordata ‘Lavender’, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, Santolina chamaecyparissus and Ageratum houstonianum.
Plants courtesy of alpine nurseries step by step product eco pot from garden life focal point products antique dagar eski (small), wood fired barrel pot (small) and david edmonds noodle pot in ivory (medium) from garden life
1
WHAT NEXT Decide which side is the front, or if it will be visible from all angles. Rearrange the plants until you are happy with their placement. If it’s not quite right, try taking one plant out at a time – there may be one that just isn’t working. Fill-in plants can be added to complete the look. Take out the plants (remembering their places) and start by planting the largest central one first.
heights; odd numbers are good. This creates layers and sets the stage for a series of plants. Similar-shaped pots look harmonious together, even if they’re quite different styles. Use colour and texture to blur the boundaries between classic and modern. Here, different textures and neutral stone colours of the pots help draw attention to the plants. C reate interest with plants that contrast and complement. Here, large, spiky leaves stand out among small, delicate and mid-size shapes. The lime highlights with the floral, cool tones make a cohesive feature.
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Clockwise, from front Kalanchoe blossfeldiana; Tibouchina ‘Jules’; Furcraea foetida ‘Mediopicta’ and Sutera cordata ‘Lavender’.
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