For me, nothing is quite as exciting as taking out the pots that have been stored all winter long and filling them again with a whole new set of plants. I take great pleasure in choosing young tender plants in hopes of watching them grow into magnificent specimens bursting with color and texture. It’s a bit of a waiting game, but summer rolls around quickly and that’s when you really get to see and enjoy the results of your labor.
This year, there are two distinct color stories; bright and intense for the front and dark and moody in the back. The front is comprised of hot coral and pinks with lots of green textures and white accents. Since the front porch sits nearly 80 feet from the street, bright colors are necessary to make any sort of impact.
Two square strap urns sit out in full sun most of the day. They have a rather simplistic planting consisting of Caliente Hot Coral Geraniums (semi-trailing habit) and a variegated Algerian Ivy. The term ‘variegated’ refers to plants with leaves that are edged or patterned in a second color. Ivy and Geraniums are an old fashioned plant combination but the hot coral color keeps it contemporary. I really love the dark green color of the Geranium leaves.
Just behind the urns are two square terracotta pots that echo the same color scheme. These pots say “too much is just enough” and are designed to hold a visitor’s attention while they wait for the front door to be answered. They require shade-loving plants since they are under the roof of the porch. Included are Ferns, Impatiens, Angel Leaf Begonias and the same variegated Ivy used in the urns. The light grey foliage plant is called Icicles Licorice Plant, Helichrysum thianschanicum.
The back yard is a different story entirely. The main level of the back is flanked by the rear of the house, the side of the garage and an 8 foot privacy fence. Since it’s a more intimate area, all color combinations are fair game. This is where I experiment with plants, color and texture. Since we’ve inherited quite a bit of lousy hardscape with terrible soil conditions, many containers are necessary to soften the area, create focal points and more importantly, add color. This year I’m using black, greys, and purples. Unusual for sure, but I want to create a dark cool ambience for guests as they sit down for a drink or take a break from the pool.
The teak bench is framed with large black pots on pedestals which contain a tropical plant called Alocasia lauterbachiana. The dark stems and foliage are set off by the silver grey of White Licorice plants. The Licorice will trail downward over the pots contrasting nicely with the upright form of the Alocasia.
Around the chairs, various pots continue the dark theme with bits of bright hues for excitement. The largest pot holds three striking Coleus called Fishnet Stockings, Solenostemon scutellarioides. These will get nearly 3 feet tall by end of summer. The striking green and burgundy variegation is dazzling.
The sister pot contains a different Coleus called Chocolate Drop which has a trailing habit. I love using the ornamental plant Coleus because they come in several colors with terrific texture and variegated leaves. Traditionally a shade-loving plant, many new Coleus are being introduced which can tolerate more sun and heat. The purple daisy flowers in the center of this pot are Osteospermum Soprano Purple. The large clay pots are by Guy Wolff.
There are two more terracotta pots planted with Persian Shield Strobilanthes dyerianus (metallic purple foliage leaf) and Light Pink Verbena. I have not grown these plants before, but I suspect they will look sensational in a couple of weeks. The Persian Shield will be the star of the show, while the vigorous Pink Verbena will add a bit of ‘flower power.’
Believe it or not, there are still 8 more pots and one very large trough to be designed and planted. No need to rush– there is plenty of time and the more you shop around, the more interesting plants you expose yourself to.
