Pots of Difference: Think Outside the Pot

If your patio pots are filled with petunias and geraniums, you’re in good company, as they’re colourful, easy, and reliable. But if you’re ready to branch out, there’s a whole world of lesser used plants that thrive in containers and bring fresh personality to your outdoor space.

Do you accept the challenge to get adventurous with your pots this spring?

You don’t need a big garden or years of experience. With just a few pots and some creative flair, you can create your own unique patio. Read on for some practical hints and tips to get you started.

Edible Surprises
Strawberries will grow beautifully in hanging baskets or tall pots, with runners cascading over the sides. Choose ever bearing varieties for a steady supply of sweet fruit. Dwarf veg like ‘TomThumb’ lettuce, ‘Patio Princess’ tomatoes, and ‘Mini Bell’ peppers are compact, colourful, and tasty. Add rainbow chard or purple basil for extra flair.

Ornamental Grains and Grasses
Try ornamental millet, such as ‘Purple Majesty’, or soft grasses, such as Carex, in pots. Their
movement and texture pair well with herbs or trailing flowers.

Unexpected textures
Hardy succulents like sedums and sempervivum love sunny, sheltered patios. Plant them in
shallow bowls with gritty compost. Compact shrubs like ‘Little Lime’ hydrangeas or dwarf
Japanese maples (‘Shaina’, ‘Katsura’) add structure and seasonal colour.

Wildflowers and Woodland Wonders
Wildflowers like cornflowers and poppies thrive in troughs and attract pollinators. In shady
spots, ferns like Dryopteris and Athyrium, paired with hostas or heucheras, create a lush,
woodland feel.

Alpine Beauties
Alpines such as saxifrages, thrift, and dwarf phlox love sunny, well-drained containers. Create a mini rock garden with gravel and stones for a low-maintenance, eye-catching display.

Scented Surprises
Go beyond lavender and try lemon verbena, scented pelargoniums, or curry plant
(Helichrysum italicum) for unexpected fragrance. These plants release a scent when brushed or watered, making them perfect near seating areas.

Climbing Plants & Perfect Pot Partners
Climbers can thrive in containers with the right support and companions:
• Sweet Peas + Herbs or Grasses: Grow up an obelisk, with thyme or Carex at the base.
• Black-Eyed Susan Vine + Nasturtiums: Bright blooms and trailing foliage make a
cheerful combo.
• Clematis Boulevard Series + Heuchera: Compact clematis twines beautifully with
colourful foliage below.
• Star Jasmine + Scented Pelargoniums: A fragrant pairing for sheltered patios.
• Climbing French Beans + Marigolds: Edible and ornamental, and great for kids to grow
from seed.

Climbing Tips
Use large pots (40cm deep and wide), appropriate compost (John Innes for hardy plants, freedraining for alpines), and water-retaining gels. Feed regularly—either with slow-release granules or liquid feed every 1–2 weeks. Provide sturdy supports and place climbers in sunny spots unless shade-tolerant.

Trade Tips
Choose big pots with drainage holes and stand them on pot feet. Water daily in hot weather and group pots together to create a microclimate and visual impact. Add a few traditional summer flowers for extra colour if you like.

Use the best, most suitable compost for your plant combinations, water and feed regularly for the best results.Our staff can help advise on the best compost dont hesitate to ask us.

Final Thoughts
Gardening is about creativity, not rules. Whether it’s a pot of grasses, a clematis climbing
skyward, or a maple glowing in autumn light, these unexpected choices bring joy and
personality to your patio. So go ahead and think outside the pot!