Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!” — Robin Williams
YES! For this girl, the party starts outdoors. Spring is one of my favorite times to plant the containers on my deck. Beauty is in bloom! The heat of the summer hasn’t set in, and I love sprucing up after the winter foliage is cleared.
A row of alternating plant selections
Here are 5 ideas that I used to create a spring display on my deck:
1. Size and scale matter. I match the containers that match the scale of my outdoor space in size and number. I have a VERY large deck with 14 large clay pots that I replant every season.
2. I decide on a specific color scheme according to my taste and purpose. Loving the clean look of white, I look for plants within that color scheme that will attract butterflies, birds, and bees. Next, I decide on an accent color to throw into the mix, this year… BLUE!
“I love white flowers!”
3. Axioms! Yes, please…”Less is more.” I replant 12 out of the 14 clay containers every season. I plant 8 of them with 3 types of plants from my favorite colors and 4 with three other types in the same color family. This year I planted Dusty Miller, Petunia, and SunPatiens in 8 of the containers, and Blue and White Delphinium, White Dianthus, and Alyssum.
Flowers and Birds…I love this combination!
4. Challenging myself, I experiment! I planted the Delphinium pictured above this year. I had never worked with that plant before but loved the tall stalk and lacy flowers. After planting, I staked them. I purchased inexpensive wooden dowels and raffia from Hobby Lobby and that did the trick.
5. Last but not least… I enjoy the process!! I’m usually anxious in the beginning. Have I bought enough flowers or have I bought too many? Are these flowers going to blend and create a harmonious combination? After everything is said and done, I relax as nature takes over and creates the beautiful displays that you see pictured. She never disappoints!
This website is a good resource for inspiration: Perennial Resource
I would love to hear from YOU! What are some things that YOU do to decorate your exterior design?
Lovely! I really appreciate white as well. Such a clean a sophisticated look! Your blog is darling and I look forward to reading more! This year, for my outdoor area I am thinking of an herb garden contained in pots. I have a trumpet vine that I planted last year that I have strategically placed in the corner of our yard. I am planning colors and the “feel” that I want now, so as I progress, I will keep you posted!
Tolli, I suspect your dear grandmother, Bitsy, would be proud. I look forward to hearing more about your gardening over time. Thank you, sweet Tolli, for your comments! ❤️
Love the bird feeder you have!! So fun to watch.
Exquisite job my dear. You do a magnificent job with the plants. I thoroughly love looking out at the deck from the back porch with your many pots and beautiful annuals.
Thank you, Russell, for all you do support and encourage me!