Creative Flower Pot and Planter Uses

Garden pots can make a smaller space seem bigger, fill a space until other plants grow in, be a deterrent for digging dogs and work in areas where planting in the ground is not possible. There are so many different creative flower pot and planter uses that you may not realize and today we’re sharing some of those creative and practical ideas.

Living where I do in Southern California, pots are in my garden year round.  I realize this is not the case for everyone. But it is spring, and nurseries have annuals and perennials for sale and home stores shelves are filled with planters calling out to be filled. HomeGoods and Big Lots are great places to find reasonably priced glazed pots. Home Depot is a great source for clay pots.

Whatever the planter, glazed, terracotta, bamboo, resin,fiberglass or cement, large, small,  tall or short, brightly colored or muted, I believe there is always room in the garden for pots.

Annuals in Flower Pots to Save Water

Now is the the time to shop for the pop of color. Perhaps you just have space on your deck or patio, or you want to be water-wise and just water a few pots rather than a whole bed. Annuals in pots and hanging baskets are a great way to have color from spring through summer.

My go-tos are nasturiums, dwarf sweat peas, petunias, pansies, violas, ranunculus, marigolds, argyranthemum, and Cineraria, Bacopa, and Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii). A basket with geraniums (Pelargoniums) adds such a wonderful pop of color.  Everyone has their favorites and know what works best in their zone. My tip is to go with a six-pack or tray rather than individual plants (if available) so you get more bang for your buck.

Use Planters Where Planting in the Ground is a No-Go

It is a better option to use pots under trees than to plant directly. Trees love water, so plants compete. Also, some trees, like some elms release a toxin, allelopathy, to kill or reduce competition, so your choice of plants is greatly reduced.

I use garden containers to be water-wise and just splurge watering a few planters, but garden pots also enable me to grow plants that prefer acidic or  alkaline soil without having to amend a whole bed.

Parrot’s Beak front and center matched nasturtiums, marigolds and Basocpa. The basket and bracket were purchase at the 99¢Only store!

HomeGoods is a great place to find all sorts of glazed pots.  There was a big shipment of white pots and so I purchased tall, squat and textured pots to add to my collection.  Pots made in Vietnam are usually the most affordable and best quality for the price. Pots from Portugal, Italy and Spain are lovely, too – just a bit more pricey. The green pot is actually bamboo (and from the 99¢Only store!)

Terrain fiber concrete pots give the look of a clay pot with a lot less weight.

A more drought-tolerant shade garden was possible by using garden pots. They add the visual interest, do not compete for water with the trees and provide a cohesive look to the garden. The pots and fountain were sourced from a high-end pottery store as well stores like Big Lots. It is important to keep to a theme.

Patios call out to use garden pots and flower containers. Dwarf citrus is a perfect choice for the patio (in the right zones).  Other fruits and veg can be grown in pots, too.  What fruits and vegetables have you grown in your garden pots?

A modern take on the classic terracotta flower pot, these Rejuvenation planters are perfect addition to a patio or terrace.

Use Garden Pots as Fill-Ins

Garden pots are a great way to plan out a landscape idea,  or start a garden without committing to a final planting. They are also useful to fill a space temporarily with while other plants fill in. I created my whole garden using pots as stand-ins before my other plants took over.

Garden Pots for the Outdoor, Indoor Outdoor Room

You can do a small palm in a pot. A lot of people don’t usually think about doing a palm in a container pot but as long as there is good drainage, it works very well.

 Impatiens love the shade so are a perfect choice for covered outdoor living spaces.

One tall plant, one flower and one draping plant like asparagus fern or sweet potato vine make a great show.

Using pots that are for the indoors which give a lot of beautiful options but no drainage, make sure to add a lot of rocks at the bottom for drainage.

Container Gardens are Great for Older Gardeners

Garden pots make a good alternative for those who love to garden but do not have the time or physicality to tackle a garden.  Also, container gardening is an option for older gardeners.  The gardening joy without the backache.

Pots Can Be a Barrier or Border

If your dog likes to dig putting your favorite flowers in planters is sometimes the best and only solution. Also, pots strategically placed can act as barrier keeping pets (in this case, chickens) from a planting or an area.

 

Home Depot has some of the best prices for clay pots – a classic addition to any garden.

Planters also make a beautiful border.  Need to fill a corner? A grouping of glazed or clay pots is a good choice.

Have Fun with Planters

You can turn a tea cup, a can, or a 99 cent container into a flower pot. If there is no drainage and you can’t drill holes, add rocks so there is a place for the water to drain. Succulents are the perfect small container plant.

Nick-knacks found at thrift or dollar stores are a fun addition to a the garden. They may not necessarily be filed under practical uses for garden pots, but they certainly are an inexpensive way to add a touch of whimsy to a garden and do not require water!

 Last thought: don’t forget to feed your container plants. They will thank you with more blooms, fruit, color and life. For more planter inspiration be sure to read Creative Spring Garden Pots,  Get planting!

Thanks for stopping by!

Elizabeth