A container garden is the perfect solution to turn any size space into a sanctuary. We know that being in the presence of nature is proven to have a calming effect, so using containers anyone can add more plants and flowers around the home to create peaceful and serene spaces.

Porches, Patios & Decks

In the summer months, the porch, patio or deck is where we spend much of our time. Introducing potted plants in these outdoor areas can change the whole feel of a space, to make it more inviting and relaxing.

Even for those with little planting room for garden beds, a container garden offers all the same opportunity for enjoyment. A big trend expected this year is single plantings, in large pots for impact. Traditional mixed containers also offer great impact, and the theme options are endless. Combinations of color, scent, texture and growth patterns are fun for the gardener to imagine and bring to life.

Try a tropical theme for the patio. Scented flowers are lovely for seating areas. Even shade-loving plants can grow in a container, where not much sun is available. Height interest is also achievable with hanging planters, or with an obelisk made for vining potted plants. Houseplants like Boston Ferns, Asparagus Ferns or Scented Geranium make a lush greenery filler for mixed containers and they can later be transplanted to indoor pots for the winter.

All Season Interest

In early spring, bulbs, pansies and primula are ready and available to create your first seasonal design. As the temps warm up, and it is safe to plant more tender plants, you can change out your design with annual plants that offer repeat blooms for lasting color all through the summer. For fall, switching to cool season ornamentals like kale and mums, with a mix of grasses, is a perfect transition. After October, planters can be cleaned out, but remain in place with a festive arrangement of holiday greens.

Kitchen Container Garden

There’s nothing better than summer meals made with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs from your own garden. For those with no space to plant, container gardens are a great alternative. High yield vegetables like tomatoes, peas, peppers and cucumber will do very well in containers. Adding individual pots of leafy greens and strawberries will round out the fresh selection.

Herbs are an excellent candidate for containers. Grow your favorite flavors to complement your summer meals, alfresco barbecues or party menus. Salsa gardens are fun for the kiddos and cocktail gardens are fun for the adults!

Window Container Garden

Indoors or out, blooms at your window can brighten your outlook. Old fashioned window boxes bring classic New England charm to any home. Traditionally these trough style planters are installed below exterior windows and filled with flowers for curbside appeal, but indoor window boxes are now a trend for sun-loving houseplants as well.

Plant exterior window boxes the same way you would any other container garden. For indoor window sill gardens, blooming plants are nice year round, succulents or any other sun loving grouping can work as well. If all the plants in your window box have the same light, soil and water requirements, you can plant them as one pot, otherwise opt to place plants in the box in their individual pots.

Studley’s Grown

We’re ready to support your wildest container garden ideas! The majority of our plants are grown and nurtured by pros onsite, straight from our greenhouse direct to our open-air garden center. Fresh and well-tended plants mean greater success for the home gardener.

Use our Plant Finder Tool to view our inventory, research plants and save your favorite annuals, perennials, edibles, trees or shrubs. Your Wishlist can be saved for reference on your next trip to Studley’s or emailed to us for pre-order. We’ll reply with a quote and to arrange pick-up or delivery. Visit the Garden Center page on our website for seasonal inventory sneak peeks and tips. Our online houseplant selections are also available for local pick-up or delivery.

My Pro Tip

Have fun with different pot sizes, materials and unusual containers. Choosing the right plants for expected sun exposure, pot size and proper drainage are key.

A good rule of thumb for best visual presentation in a mixed container garden is to choose plants with three different growth habits: a thriller with height or high visual impact, a filler with a bushy or spreading form for fullness, and a spiller to drape over the edge.

After planting, consistent watering and deadheading are also important to performance and upkeep. In the peak of summer, daily watering twice and weekly feeding might be necessary. It’s easy to forget what each plant is, or what its specific needs are, so keep the tags for future reference.

Get creative with pot groupings, art accents, branches or fairy lighting in your container garden. Don’t be afraid to bring your houseplants outdoors for the summer, to add more greenery or an abundance of foliage.

See you at Studley’s!