When you envision your dream home, you most likely think about maximizing space to unwind, relax and entertain. As the weather warms up, your porch or patio becomes an extension of your home’s living space. Once you decide on furniture and accessories, how do you bring your outdoor area to life? Incorporating planters can have a significant impact and add flourishes that indoor living can’t offer—not only will the space feel more inviting and relaxing, but it’ll also be truly connected to nature.
There’s more to this process than meets the eye. You must compare multiple patio planter ideas to ensure you choose the right location, design and plants. This guide outlines everything you need to create an outdoor oasis at home.
Start by evaluating your porch or patio’s size, shape and sun exposure. How much space is available for planters, and how can they be arranged without overcrowding? Remember that you’ll still need room to arrange furniture, walk comfortably and open doors to the house.
As you assess your space, remember to think vertically as well as horizontally. Pay close attention to the areas that receive full sun, partial shade or full shade, as light availability will influence your plant choices. Also, consider whether the space is covered by a roof or open to the elements. While a covered porch or patio is more likely to be fully shaded, it can also present an opportunity to use hanging planters.
Finally, consider the style and architecture of your home. This ensures the planters you choose will blend seamlessly with the rest of your property.
After assessing your space, the next step is to identify the best locations for your planters.
Keep in mind that this could involve trial and error. The design you create on paper might not reflect your preferences in the end—but planters are much easier to move than entire garden beds, so feel free to experiment until you’re happy with the results.
Here are some tips to guide you:
Remember, the placement of your planters should complement the aesthetic of your outdoor space and enhance its functionality, creating comfortable, well-defined areas.
Choosing the appropriate planters is important for both the health of your plants and the look of your space. The amount of space you want to fill can determine how big the planters should be, but size also plays a role in plant health. Each container should be spacious enough to accommodate root growth and the fullness of the greenery and any flowers. In general, larger planters are beneficial as they hold more soil and can retain moisture longer.
Once you decide on the best sizes for your outdoor design goals, turn your attention to the material of the planters. Options range from lightweight plastics and fiberglass to classic terracotta, durable wood or modern metal.
The primary benefits of lightweight plastic are affordability and mobility. These planters are easy to relocate and replace if you decide another style or size better suits your needs.
On the downside, plastic is not as durable as other options. These planters can also be the most basic with few color and style options compared to higher-end materials.
Fiberglass planters are durable and lightweight, but slightly more expensive than plastic. Another benefit is that fiberglass can mimic the look and texture of other materials without the weight or cost.
The tradeoff is that fiberglass planters lack insulation, which increases the risk of root damage. Furthermore, fiberglass isn’t as eco-friendly as more natural materials.
In addition to a classic, natural look, terracotta planters are breathable and eco-friendly. The color and texture fit beautifully with rustic designs and add timeless warmth to modern styles.
However, this material can be temperamental in certain environments. Terracotta is prone to cracking in below-freezing weather. Since it’s porous, it can also absorb water from the soil, drying out plant roots. Presoaking pots for at least 30 minutes before adding plants can help prevent this—but if you plan on adding drought-tolerant plants or know you tend to over-water, that absorption can come in handy.
Wood planters are popular among homeowners seeking a natural look, above-average insulation, and the opportunity to customize the look with paint or stain.
The drawbacks of wood planters are their high maintenance and heavy weight. Since this material often needs to be repainted or restained, it works best for planters you can access from all sides. Given the weight, wood planters may also be better suited to the perimeter of your outdoor living space where you’re less likely to rearrange them.
Metal planters continue to gain popularity because they’re durable and versatile. Copper with a patina can complement a French country or coastal style, while galvanized steel and matte black finishes look right at home with a modern farmhouse aesthetic.
Metal planters tend to be the most expensive upfront, but their durability can help you save on replacement costs. Make sure the interior is rated for water exposure to reduce the risk of damaging corrosion.
A patio with planters is a good start, but there’s something you’re missing: plants! The combination of greenery and flowers is the key to creating a warm and welcoming space. Remember to focus on native plants that are known to thrive in your local climate.
Always consider the climate and the amount of sunlight and shade your porch or patio receives. Plan to have a combination of plants based on their location in the yard—plants closer to the house may need to be more shade-tolerant than those at the edge of an open patio. Ferns and hostas are beautiful choices for lush planters flanking a doorway or at the corners of a patio.
Remember to also be realistic about the amount of work you want to put into maintenance. There are plenty of low-maintenance species that look gorgeous during the growing season. When creating combinations within planters, group them by shade and water needs, and vary the heights, textures, and colors to create visual interest.
If you have planters that will always be in one place, consider using them for perennials, which will bloom each season. These should be heavy-duty wood, terracotta, and metal containers. Lightweight fiberglass containers are perfect for annuals, which need to be replanted each year. Think of these as your decorative accents that can be refreshed seasonally, the same way you might swap out throw pillows and knick-knacks indoors.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 26 locations in 12 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award-winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends.