8 Ways to Use Pot Plants to Your Advantage
Pot plants don't just pretty up a place – they can also be used strategically in surprising ways
Joanna Tovia
19 July 2014
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well. Follow her photodocumentary about pets and the people who love them on Instagram @unfoldingtails
Houzz editorial team. Photojournalist specialising in design, travel and living well.... More
I have a love-hate relationship with pot plants, I’ll admit it. I love them because they look nice; I hate them because I have to water them. In the end though, the pot plants stay, and that is simply because they can serve so many purposes in the home. See what a difference they make at these abodes.
1. To frame an entry
Giant-leaved plants in exotic pots that look like they hail from a tropical paradise are just the thing to make a lively entrance.
Giant-leaved plants in exotic pots that look like they hail from a tropical paradise are just the thing to make a lively entrance.
2. To break up an expanse of colour
A collection of flowering plants in pots would look fabulous anywhere, but when they add a welcome splash of colour to a vast deck or patio, they are even more appealing. Stick to one colour (even white works a treat), or mix and match hues for an over-the-top pop of prettiness.
A collection of flowering plants in pots would look fabulous anywhere, but when they add a welcome splash of colour to a vast deck or patio, they are even more appealing. Stick to one colour (even white works a treat), or mix and match hues for an over-the-top pop of prettiness.
3. To tell people where to go
If your guests seem to hesitate at your gate and wonder where the front door is, use pot plants to show them the way. Bright pots like these can add a dramatic element to any front yard when you want your house to be anything but bland.
If your guests seem to hesitate at your gate and wonder where the front door is, use pot plants to show them the way. Bright pots like these can add a dramatic element to any front yard when you want your house to be anything but bland.
4. To add colour and life to your interiors
A little greenery not only cleanses the air of indoor pollution, but the right plant and pot can also be used to complement just about style with ease. This eclectic space is ideal for a bright yellow paint-dribbled pot like this one.
A little greenery not only cleanses the air of indoor pollution, but the right plant and pot can also be used to complement just about style with ease. This eclectic space is ideal for a bright yellow paint-dribbled pot like this one.
5. To give your home a sense of grandeur
Well-maintained topiary in a line of tall pots adds a stately touch to a more traditional home, whether lining the pathway from the front gate, or positioned proudly along the verandah.
Well-maintained topiary in a line of tall pots adds a stately touch to a more traditional home, whether lining the pathway from the front gate, or positioned proudly along the verandah.
6. To populate a garden path
A garden path lined with lovely plants, shrubs and trees is one thing, but pots like these add points of interest along the way. The more unusual or attention-getting your pots, the more effective they will be at leading you down the garden path.
A garden path lined with lovely plants, shrubs and trees is one thing, but pots like these add points of interest along the way. The more unusual or attention-getting your pots, the more effective they will be at leading you down the garden path.
7. To create a focal point
As Jamie Durie told me once, if you want to entice people into the backyard, create a drawcard. A giant pot and thriving plant is just the ticket to draw the eye, and accompanies this in-ground Jacuzzi nicely. I don’t know about you, but I’m green with envy.
As Jamie Durie told me once, if you want to entice people into the backyard, create a drawcard. A giant pot and thriving plant is just the ticket to draw the eye, and accompanies this in-ground Jacuzzi nicely. I don’t know about you, but I’m green with envy.
8. To grow herbs by the back door
You’ll be far more inclined to use fresh herbs in your cooking if you don’t have to plan ahead and buy them from the supermarket, or trek out into the depths of the backyard in the dark to snip what you need. A well-lit line of pots (matching or otherwise) will bring to life any dish in your repertoire.
YOU TELL US
What do you find grows well in pots at your house? Inspire your fellow Houzzers in the comments section below.
You’ll be far more inclined to use fresh herbs in your cooking if you don’t have to plan ahead and buy them from the supermarket, or trek out into the depths of the backyard in the dark to snip what you need. A well-lit line of pots (matching or otherwise) will bring to life any dish in your repertoire.
YOU TELL US
What do you find grows well in pots at your house? Inspire your fellow Houzzers in the comments section below.
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I do a lot of work with pots but the main problem is pebbles and pavers all around the house which burns the foliage and the flowers in the summer (I live in Brisbane). Also, I have timber decking which has to stay dry. I bought the house 4 yrs ago and everything was already there. Any suggestions? I live alone so there is no muscle around to help.
Kind Regards
Dianne