What is the easiest way to add a vibrant element to your patio? Some would say that by throwing colourful pillows and blankets on outdoor furniture. But on second thought, welcoming plants onto the patio sounds like a better idea to live up the space and make it look more comfortable. It’s an outdoor space at the end of the day, so integrating natural elements is the smartest way to brighten the space. 

By picking a landscaping style that complements the house design and cultivating the right plants, you create your own magical gateway. But how do you pick the plants to grow? Where do you plant them? 

This article provides the necessary information to create a space that fits your needs. 

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How to pick plants for the patio?

Before heading to the local plant nursery, figure out what style describes the ideal patio. Do you prefer a traditional vibe? Are you more into minimalist design? Whether you want to create a vibrant and colourful space to inspire you when working from home or an outdoor space where you relax after a stressful day is entirely up to you. There are outdoor plants to match any kind of vibe, and you only need to follow some steps to ensure you pick the right one for your ideal space. 

Have a talk with your neighbours

Does one of your neighbours have a patio garden you admire? It’s time to catch up with them over a cup of tea or a beer and discuss plants. Ask them what plants are thriving in their garden, what their names are, how much care they require, and if they have any preferred combinations of flowers. Before leaving their house, have a look at the outdoor planters and pots they used to arrange the plants. 

Do not hurry to get the same plants when you come home, but assess the patio conditions to figure out if they’re similar with your neighbour’s.          

Size up the patio

Keep the information your neighbour provided in mind and make notes about your deck. Does your outdoor space have plenty of light? When does the sun brighten your patio? Maybe your patio is shady all day long. Does rain get onto the patio? How much space can the plants take? Plan ahead because flowers grow through the season, and you don’t want them to take over the patio or kill each other in the process. 

Gain knowledge about seasonal flowers

If you want a green and blooming patio, look online for tips on how to care for the plants. You could also visit the local plant nursery and ask for the personnel to help you pick plants that will thrive in the climate. It would also be helpful to learn more about seasonal plants to know when each flower is in full bloom and how to pair them. 

Each plant needs special light conditions; hence, read online about them, so you can place them in the right spot. Plants usually come with a stake tag that tells you their name, the required watering and light conditions, and other information that could help you care for them. 

Pick the right plant containers

Limited ground to plant greenery around the patio shouldn’t stop you from welcoming nature into your space. You can use a variety of containers, like those from Elho, to gain more versatility and accommodate more plants. And where do you count that containers also serve as decorations?

What do you buy first? The plant or the container?

When planning a patio garden integrating planters and pots, it’s crucial to keep the plants and the containers in mind. Of course, some plants will need new homes after a while, or you might find pots matching the patio vibe and go from there. 

But try not to freestyle the entire patio garden, but plan it so you can achieve balance.    

How to choose a proper container

It would help if you considered several factors. Please start with the size, decide what plant you want to grow in each container and estimate its size at adulthood. Additionally, the pots you want to place directly on the patio should be large enough to be noticeable and with a stylish design to meet decorative purposes. 

When picking pots for shelves, think smaller because they might get too heavy after adding soil, water, and plants. Drainage is another factor to have in view because it’s closely tied to the flower you plant and its watering preferences. 

And last but not least, the containers’ balance and durability are also essential. They’ll be placed outdoors, so they should stand up to the elements. In case you want to move inside some containers (during the cold months), consider the available space to pick size-appropriate ones. 

Make a plan to arrange containers

Before hitting the ass to basket button, decide where and how you want to place the pots and planters. You have the entire yard, so don’t limit it to the patio. When making a scheme for arranging the containers outdoors, consider factors like the amount of sun each plant needs and if the flowers and greeneries interfere with one another. Also, ensure they won’t prevent you from moving freely on the patio or around the yard. 

Incorporating Retaining Wall Sleepers

Consider using retaining wall sleepers to create elevated plant beds or define different zones on your patio. Retaining wall sleepers not only add a structural element but also serve as a visual anchor. You can plant cascading flowers or vines along the retaining walls for added vertical interest. Choose sleepers that complement the overall design of your patio for a seamless look.

Decide the kind of vibe you want to achieve to figure out if you place all the containers around the patio or spread them around the entire space. You could use taller plants to mark out the patio. However, ensure they won’t grow too high because they might shade the smaller ones at the patio’s core. 

A short list of the easiest-to-care plants

Here are some plants that require little maintenance and would thrive even in challenging conditions. 

– Potato vine

– Succulents

– Ferns

– Herbs

– Geraniums 

– Lantana

– Cacti

– Lavender

– Begonia

Are you ready to add some colour and personality to your patio? We hope we helped you figure out what the process will imply.