Container Gardening and Exterior Home Design

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Let’s talk about container gardening, planters, and outdoor design…

Planters come in many sizes, styles, and materials.  Choosing the proper one to adorn your home is more complicated than it may seem.  We’d like to break it down so that you end up with the best possible choice while adding curb appeal and value.

Size matters when it comes to planters.  Size is important for two reasons:  One, it must balance the scope of your home.  If you have a large door and tiny little pots on either side, no impact is made.  Generally, unless grouping, I advise a 20” width or bigger, making sure you can easily walk around it.  If you choose to group, play around with different sizes and group with three pots.  Height is equally important and plants can add to how tall a container seems.  Heighth can play a role in the health of your plants as well.  Some plants require a deeper root structure and more space to fill out.  Subsequently, it is helpful to know what you are planting in advance.

Style is another important factor when choosing a planter.  We often tell our clients that planters are a fun way to add a pop of color or some originality.  However, oftentimes, simple and classic is better.  If your home is very traditional, you may want to consider an Urn or more traditional shape or style.  If you have a midcentury modern, there are lots of options for this style…some in very fun, bright colors.  Stained wood can add a rustic, vibe to the decor.  It can also look fantastic up against painted white brick.  There are some very stylish wood planters that can transition from traditional to modern farmhouse seamlessly.

Material:  Planters come in many different materials.  Here are some of the most common:

  1. Terra Cotta:  They are readily available and inexpensive.  However, due to their porous nature, they will require more watering.  Also, they can break more easiy than other materials.
  2. Wood:  They are relatively inexpensive and can be left outdoors year round.  However, Unless you use a rot-resistant wood such as treated lumber, redwood, or cedar, you’ll need to seal, line, or paint the pot to prevent decay. Wood containers are relatively heavy, so large containers may be difficult to move.
  3. Metal:  This can be a great way to save money without compromising style.  Metal can salvaged and repurposed as a container for many house styles.  However, it can heat up quickly in direct sunlight and cause some roots to overheat which can damage your plants.
  4. Polystyrene Foam:  This is more durable than common plastic.  They are lightweight and sturdy and come in a wide variety of styles and colors.  They can be left outdoors year round.  However, they can be more expensive than the materials they are replicating and can blow over easily.
  5. Glazed Ceramic:  Glazed ceramic containers come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. They are great for grouping.  They are also  less porous than Terra Cotta which means they don’t lose as much moisture.  However, they are equally susceptible to cracking and chipping.
  6. Concrete:  Concrete containers are classically beautiful. They come in different shapes and sizes.   They will last a very long time and can withstand freezing temperatures.  However, they are expensive and heavy and don’t come in a variety of colors.

Planters are a wonderful way to add interest and layers to your garden or porch.  They can elevate curb appeal and draw attention to your front door. We hope this helped give you some things to consider in your quest for the perfect planter. Let us be your guide, we want to help you find the perfect planter & more. Contact us today! 

Author

Alli’s passion for home design began during childhood when she’d accompany her father to various fixer-upper properties he was working on. Years later, Alli received a degree in physical therapy from Indiana University, but her love of design and personal need brought her back to the home design industry. Alli co-founded brick&batten in 2017 with her sister, Cassie, out of necessity. She was looking for a service like brick&batten for her own home, but one didn’t exist. Alli loves designing exteriors that inspire people. She’s also interested in real estate investment and enjoys creating exterior designs that will provide a great return on investment. Alli lives in Atlanta with her partner, three children, and their dogs. She loves to travel and often finds herself looking at houses in the areas she visits for inspiration and ideas.