No matter how new or old, your patio or deck won't look complete until you add some plants. You can move these pots around and change plantings whenever you like. To create an instant focal point, use a half whiskey barrel planted with a small tree, such as Japanese maple or dwarf citrus. Or, group several smaller containers of varied sizes together as a display.
Professional landscapers suggest groups of uneven numbers for the most striking composition.
You can overdo it, though. Too many small containers tend to create a busy look, and they make more work of watering. When space is limited, display containers on a deck railing or on a pergola or arbor. On a shady wall, attach several pots filled with begonias, impatiens and English ivy. Stagger pots at different heights so it does not look too formal.