Planter Garden Plans

Containers can add whimsy and charm to your planter garden.

Planter or container gardens are great for those with little or no outdoor space. If you live in an apartment and your only view of the outdoors is from a small balcony, a container garden can add depth, life and charm without using too much space. There are a variety of pots and plants to choose from, but a little planning will ensure you choose the right planters and plants for you and your space.

Know Your Space

Know the size of your space.

Take measurements and draw out your space on a piece of paper, so you can visualize how much room you can devote to your planters in your small space. This will keep you from purchasing plants or planters that are too big to fit your space.

Light Conditions

If your balcony is covered, it may not get a lot of sun.

Figure out how much or how little sun your plants will receive every day. You should choose only plants that tolerate the amount of sun your space will receive. There are a variety of colorful shade-loving plants for covered balconies and porches, such as deep pink bleeding hearts, deep-colored bluebells and multi-colored fuchsias. Thus, you still can grow plenty of flowers if your balcony tends to be in shade most of the day.

Plants

Miniature roses work well in container gardens.

Pick plants that are hardy, compact and wonderfully scented. Be sure the plants are hardy within your United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone and that their light requirements meet your garden space's light availability. The plants you choose should play on not only your sense of sight but also your sense of smell. Choosing the right plants can also help you attract a bit of nature to your planter garden, in the form of butterflies and hummingbirds.

Containers

Choose pots to complement your plants.

Choose containers based on a theme. If you have a nautical theme, you can choose nautical-styled containers, to tie your theme together. If you are a naturalist, you can choose pots made from bamboo, stone or clay. Another idea is to choose planter colors that complement the colors of your plants. Place a miniature yellow rose into a lavender container, or African daisies (white with black centers) into a black lacquer container. Try to add height by using hanging or wall baskets as well as ground planters. Hanging and wall baskets allow you to utilize more floor surface, which is scarce in small spaces.

Add Whimsy

A small garden fountain can add whimsy to your container garden.

Be it a table-top fountain or a cute garden gnome. Add a bit of whimsy to your container garden area. It can even be a unique piece of mosaic art that you hang on your balcony or porch wall. Just add something that makes you smile after a tiring day.

Seating

A small table and chairs give you a place to rest and enjoy your planter garden.

In order to enjoy your container garden you will need a place to sit and relax. If your space is limited, choose a table and chair set that folds up when not in use. You can even purchase small benches that feature planter boxes attached to either side of them.

References

• All About Planters: Planter Basics
• All About Planters: Planter Garden Design

Resources

• All About Planters