A garden that doesn’t include at least a few planted containers, whether for structure, seasonal color, or year-round interest can be boring.

Artfully placed near the front door, grouped on a back patio, or woven into garden beds, containers are a versatile design tool cherished by gardeners everywhere.

When Peter Atkins and Associates use containers in our gardens, they often serve a dual purpose.

Not only do they enhance your garden atmosphere, but they also help solve various gardening challenges, such as covering unsightly areas, filling in gaps left by perennials, and guiding the eye throughout the garden. Maybe you have a path that you do not want to allow traffic, placing a planters in the middle of the path, stop traffic. Maybe You want to camouflage the A/C units, Pots to the rescue. Potted Pots are versatile, the possibilities where you place them planted is endless.

The main difference between annuals and perennials is that annuals have a short lifespan of one summer season but flower prolifically throughout. Perennials, conversely, come back yearly, but only flower 2-3 weeks during the summer. For larger beds, perennials are the way to go as you can plant many species that flower at different times. Annuals better suit outdoor containers as they produce a pop of color that lasts.

The appeal of annuals over other plant types in summer outdoor containers is rooted in their longevity and heartiness over the span of a singular growing season. However, most of our annual planters incorporate some perennials with an occasional succulent or tropical embellishment. To insert some texture into our design, we may incorporate Birds of Paradise, Ficus Burgundy, ferns, or grasses. When used appropriately, plants other than annuals can tastefully elevate an arrangement!

The Thriller

This plant is the centerpiece of the arrangement. Its main purpose is to draw attention and inspire awe.

For a thriller we might use a non-annual vining option like a Mandeville trellis, a Lantana Standard, Geranium Standard or a smaller tree like Japanese maple, or a tropical like a Bird of Paradise. Taller annuals we may use include Gloriosa Daisy, Cleome, and Rocky Purple Salvia.

The Filler

Filler plants circle the thriller. Their job is to add texture, minute embellishments, and boost the appearance of the thriller. A planter complete with filler plants looks healthy with full foliage and depth in color.

Examples of fillers that we use include Angel Wings Senecio, Sun patients, Zesty Zinnia, Winged Begonias, Ferns and Angelonia

The Spiller

Spiller plants are placed in the peripheral space of the planter. They are positioned in a way that they appear to “spill” over the sides of the container with trailing elements.

Favorite spillers are Dichondra “Silver Falls” Potatoes Vine, English Ivy, Wandering Jew, Silver/Gray

and Creeping Jenny!

Once the thriller, fillers, and spillers are picked, the placings of the plants in each individual container can be tweaked to add flare and provoke interest. For example, the plants can be placed in a slightly asymmetrical manner to conjure feelings of whimsy.

Another way to adjust the mood of the arrangement is by pruning the spiller plants and controlling the heights of the thriller for a more manicured appearance. No matter if you are going for a playful, romantic look or one that veers modern and elegant, our skilled design team has got you covered!

Our pricing is straightforward and based on the size of your container. For round planters, we measure the diameter, while window boxes and rectangular planters are priced by length and depth. Best of all, our prices stay the same every season, so you can enjoy perfect pots year-round without surprises! We're happy to give you a quote so you know exactly what to expect.

"One of the most noticeable shifts in residential gardening this year is a move toward planting with purpose. Designers and Gardeners are choosing plants that make sense for their spaces and lifestyles, while also supporting wildlife or producing food.

That shift shows up clearly in container gardening, where ease and practicality now matter just as much as beauty".