Planting flower pots around my house is something I look forward to every year. When the sun starts to make its appearance after a long winter, I get into a mad rush to brighten our landscaping with some color. Front flower pots set the tone for what people will see on the inside of your house. My house is a brick, colonial that looks very traditional, but my decor inside is more contemporary so I want to make sure I reflect the same style on the outside.
I have two favorite places to gather inspiration and ideas: Chalet Garden Center in Wilmette and Gethsemane in Chicago. I get full afternoon sun in the front of my house so, traditionally, I’ve found the best plants to use are: sweet potato vine, petunias, purple fountain grass and some artemisia. This also tends to be the best color combination that works with the other colors in my landscaping.
Here is a shot of my front planters from last year:
Ok, so I’ve been playing it ‘safe’ over the past few years. This year I’m going to challenge myself to mix it up a bit and better reflect the interior of my house. Well, mix it up as much as a type A personality can handle. I want to focus on different leaf sizes, texture and fullness in my containers but stick with the same color scheme. Here are a few of my inspiration photos:
I like the ivy trailing leaves which gives this container some texture.
I MUST find a way to incorporate something unexpected like succulents this year.
I love the silvery licorice plant that adds softness to this arrangement.
Wispy grass is the perfect complement to this otherwise traditional arrangement.
This photo makes my heart flutter. The fullness and layering is perfection!
- Via Van Zelst Design
What about you? Have you thought about what to plant in your containers this summer?
If you are local and looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out Chalet’s Annual Garden Faire going on this weekend.
Your ideas actually resulted in my not buying only geraniums…a season favourite, but also purchased some greens, mauves and yellows for porch pots. Thanks!
I had no idea you did this!!! So excited to read up on your blog! Very inspiring, Amy Jo! I’ve been stocking the greenhouses this past week getting ready to start my container garden! I’m motivated now!! Can’t wait to tell Mom! 🙂
Beautiful pictures! Makes me want to get out and plant some pots! Maybe it would help make this place feel more at home!
These pots are gorgeous. While you are getting eye candy this week, I will be playing in the dirt with some of your ideas.