Creativity in container gardens

Much of the fun in creating container bouquets is letting your imagination run wild, and the longer you garden, the more combinations you'll want to try. As you continue to grow as a container gardener, keep in mind these few simple guidelines that will help you devise pleasing plant pictures in small spaces, where every element counts.

One of the easiest ways to achieve a harmonious design is to use plants with the same or similar colours. A pot with all red plants, or plants in red and gold, can be striking in its simplicity. You can also go for a bold contrast, combining frosty blue flowers with fiery yellow ones.

Remember that "hot" colours appear to advance, while "cool" colours recede. So place red, orange and yellow towards the back of the container and blue, purple and green in front to balance the arrangement.

Also take into account the size, shape and texture of both flowers and foliage. Big, bold leaves can easily overpower companions plants that have delicately cut or feathery looking foliage, just as large trumpet or saucer-shaped flowers will overwhelm neighbours with dainty little pompon or starlike blossoms.

Contrast adds interest, as long as the various elements share a common theme or are balanced visually. A tall, spiky phormium, for example, would not suit pot-hugging dwarf sweet alyssum but the phormium would provide drama and look balanced when it is paired with heuchera, begonia or any other plant with equally prominent foliage.

• Zonal geranium and petunia
• Caladium and impatiens
• Rose campion and ivy-leaved geranium
• Salvia and sweet alyssum
• Petunia and lobelia
• Fan flower and narrow-leaf zinnia
• Tulip and pansy
• Globe amaranth and portulaca
• Ornamental grass and sweet potato vine
• Japanese maple and English ivy

• Use plants with soft, neutral colours, such as gray-leaved dusty miller, white-flowered sweet alyssum or vinca (Vinca major) to tame fiery-coloured companions, such as red geraniums or bright yellow marigolds.
• Neutral plants also add a light-reflecting twinkle to patio container combinations that are intended to be viewed in the evening.