Planter boxes with trellises and extra colour for the area.
Container gardening presents opportunities for many innovative ideas.
Mulch with organic matter such as leaves or wood chips to reduce evaporation from soil. On a hot patio, you might consider putting the containers on pallets or other structures that will allow air movement beneath the pots and prevent direct contact with the cement. Check your containers at least once a day and twice on hot, dry or windy days. Feel the soil to determine whether or not it is damp. Windbreaks can help reduce water requirements for containers.