Container Gardening Principle: Shape
As a container gardener, you must be able to discern plausible shapes from ones that will make your display look unattractive. Certain plants that do not develop stunning foliage or flowers rely on their shapes and structure to create an interesting effect. Choosing these types of plants are great when developing a simple, modern display.
Shapes are very powerful tool in the gardeners’ arsenal. The reason why is because you can produce a wide range of emotions with it. You can create drama and exhilaration or tranquility and serenity. Shapes aren’t necessarily just for containers but for plants as well. Many individuals cut and clip their hedges, bushes, and other plantings into creative and interesting shapes. There are some plantings that do not require cuttings and posses’ fanciful shapes of unique leaves, branches, and stems.
When utilizing shapes within your garden or room, you must remember that certain plants and containers work best when they are by themselves. Placing plants in their own containers and not in a mixed group is recommended because you can then appreciate their beautiful architectural shapes. If you have a distinctive shaped plant with a similarly unique shaped pot, it will have a large enough presence to be placed as the center piece in your garden or area of interest.
Choosing plants such as Variegata, Yucca, palms, and bamboos are recommended by me because they offer a decent amount of unique shapes that can boost the appeal of your garden. These plants can also be used as effective focal points, as a centerpiece, or in a larger group of pots. Remember that the pot shape and structure is very important. Many people destroy the look of their garden or room by choosing pots that contain excessive shapes and colors. The main feature to look for in pots is a simple outline that posses a strong shape. In this manner, you will not detract from the main look of the plants or the surrounding area around it.
Certain individuals want a dramatic centerpiece or group of plants to accentuate their container garden, greenhouse, or room. What I recommend is to use bold shapes for both plants and pots but to keep the color contrast between them to an absolute minimum. To create your desired impact, you don’t need to merge ten different plants together. I found that two or three simple shapes can provide you with the maximum impact possible.
If you don’t want a dramatic garden planter, but a calm relaxed atmosphere there are a few tricks you can perform. Curved lines and rounded shapes for leaves, foliages, flowers, and containers are a sure way to create a tranquil mood. If you can get your hands on handmade pots, I advise you to purchase them because of their quality and durability.
