Friday, February 13, 2015

simple one potted plants for the patio....

Our little sunken in patio area is going to get some major attention this spring.  It's a small space right off the family room but I have yet to touch it.  I've been inspired by simple one potted plants for this particular space.  





Here are a couple of inspiration photos that I've been referring to when thinking about our little space.....

via-gardenista

 via-nannagy.wordpress.com



Simple plants I'm considering for pots in the shadier areas of the patio....


Lily of the Valley
via-gardenista


Oxalis Fireglow
a long lasting annual here in zone 5

Let's Dance Starlight Hydrangea 
(Hydrangea macrophylla Lynn) compact
via-waysidegardens

I'm sure I'll throw some hostas in the mix as I have a hosta farm on the side yard.  Cheap and free is good for me!


Wishing you all a wonderful Valentine's Day tomorrow! 

may there be a little more love in the world

61 comments:

  1. I'm inspired to do something similar with our patio this spring...assuming there's an end to this winter :)

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  2. I see you have lots of inspiration for your patio. For the height a Hydrangea will be wonderful, surrounded with Hostas of your farm.
    The love of the elephants is wonderful.
    Wish you a happy Valentine's day!

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  3. The elephants CERTAINLY brightened my day - can't wait to see what you come up with for the sunken patio! Love to you and yours, my friend - XOXO

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  4. It is an ideal space for a container garden - it will be a wonderful project and you will be able to inject lots of colour and variety to enjoy all year round. Good luck with all the planning.

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  5. Great choices, Nicole.

    I love that last pic!!!!

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  6. I can't wait to see your finished patio - I love the colour of the brickwork and your inspiration photos are gorgeous. Have a happy Valentine's Day. x

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  7. You have some definite ideas, I think your plant you are considering will look fab. Lastly just a reminder my give away and gift swap is on till the 20th if you want to join x

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  8. What a lovely idea to transform that patio space. I'm sure it'll look quite lovely once you put your plans into motion and everything blooms :) Hope you've had a wonderful week and have been staying warm Nicole. Happy Valentine's Day and enjoy your weekend!

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  9. I like single plant planters, too. I lack the willpower to do so, in most cases, though. Just fyi, that oxalis with yellow flowers is super naughty, in my neck of the woods anyway.

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  10. I am not a very good gardener, but when I see your photos I find them so inspiring :)
    Happy velentine's day!

    Lluisa xoxo

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  11. What is the advantage of having them in pots? Will you be able to bring them inside during the heavy snow weather?

    I go back and forth about having plants in pots. Just now I am removing everything that is in a clay pot and putting them into the ground. But, I am sure I will go back to pots again.

    Have a lovely Valentine's Day

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  12. I think it is a great idea to have a space you can change up each year simply and inexpensively by using pots. I like all the contrasts in the foilage too. Happy Valentine's Day.

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  13. Such interesting plants! We are all getting itchy fingers to get out in our gardens!! Have a happy Valentine's Day !!! Xox

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  14. Your inspiration photos are gorgeous, I can't wait to see what you'll do with this part of your garden paradise! Happy Valentine's Day to you and your family!!

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  15. I love the idea of pots filled with plants on your patio, especially if the pots are as pretty as the plants are. It is going to be gorgeous. And I love me a hosta farm. They are so easy to divide and transplant. It is like printing dollar bills!!!

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  16. Lily of the Valley is a gorgeous plant..the perfume is superb! and the oxalis is a lovely choice too because it naturally forms a dome shape...both are perennial plants which is ideal.I can already imagine your beautiful sunken patio garden, Nicole:) Hydrangea plant is expensive to buy here, I'm waiting to see if I can just ask cuttings from neighbour somewhere. Cheap and free certainly adds more fun to gardening adventure:) Sending you early spring gardening dream wishes!

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  17. Go with the lilly of the valley a lovely flower.
    Merle............

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  18. sorry, Nicole, that comment up there was from me but I was signed into Lew's account ...xx

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  19. Hello Nicole,

    It will be good to revamp this terrace area and make use of it. Even in the smallest of spaces, one can have an attractive display year round.

    Pots are very flexible as one can ring the changes so easily. They can be brought out when flowering and removed out of sight when they are over. And, we found that by using ordinary terracotta flower pots but painting them one could produce all manner of 'designer' effects for little money.

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  20. Great idea for your area, love the wooden bench, you must find one. That elephant picture is the best.

    Happy Valentine's Day.
    Meredith

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  21. and herbs, don't forget herbs that look pretty too. What a great space. I will be tuning in to see progress. I am getting allotment fever but it is too cold here yet. Bit longer... Jo x

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  22. Fab ideas, I like a simple potted style. We are thinking something similar for our side area once we decide on the ground covering. I hope you have a great weekend & Valentine day x

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  23. I can't wait to see what you do. I try to create new spaces every year. It's so fun and inviting.

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  24. Looks like great choices. I especially like the idea of a dwarf hydrangea in a container.

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  25. Those plants that your are planning for the patio are absolutely lovely ideas!

    Happy Valentine's Day to you too

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  26. your patio - i love it! i wish i had one in my home. i love that lily of the valley. i can't wait to see once you're done with the make over :)
    have a great weekend, Nicole!

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  27. Loving all your "potted inspiration" . Hostas are so beautiful - can't wait to see what you do and how lush and cooling it will look.

    Happy Valentines Day.
    Julie

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  28. I really like your patio wall blocks! Thinking of doing something like this in our back yard. You have great ideas for shade plants. I wish we had more shady spots in our yard, I just love collecting hostas and astilbe. Can't wait till spring to see what you design back there!

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  29. I like your inspirational photos and can't wait to see your corner garden all planted and in bloom.

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  30. Happy Valentine's Day Nicole....love the idea of your containers and the idea of some lovely plants like hydrangeas and lily of the valley.

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  31. Nicole: You had me at "Lilly of the Valley". Great ideas! :-)

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  32. Oh, the elephants are so cute! And, love the patio inspiration! I'm dreaming of green things and can't wait for winter to end :)

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  33. Oh you've inspired me here Nicole! I think my patio needs some large pots.. Can't wait for spring to come!! Have a super week :-) xx

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  34. Wonderful inspiration, Nicole! I love the idea. Keep us updated of your progress :)

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  35. A little over 30 days to spring! I can't wait.

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  36. Oh, Nicole, your patio looks so good and the flowerpots are going to be sensational! I know that your talent with gardening and with grouping the perfect plants together is going to make a beautiful display out there. Can't wait to see your progress.

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  37. I hope you had a nice Valentine's Day Nicole. I am sure there were lots of hugs and kisses from Daddy and the little beans. Such great container inspiration! It is actually hard to find nice container groupings to photograph. These are terrific.

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  38. Beautiful photos! I love all the greenery in pots! So gorgeous!

    WritingMonique

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  39. The beauty of simplicity . . . your patio is going to be just beautiful!

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  40. Lovely inspiration, Nicole! I like the idea of use potted plants of different heights and textures and colours to add interest and colour to the patio. Can't wait to see yours when it's all done up!

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  41. I love your little patio and can't wait to see what you do with it! Great inspiration pics!!!

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  42. lovely....oh how I long for spring. Happy garden dreaming. Cheers lass xo

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  43. That's a nice clean slate, and I like your inspirations! I hope your valentine's day was great :)
    Wendy

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  44. Please delete if this is a repeat comment Nicole, I had to re sign into my account and I wasn't sure it published...One of my goals this summer is to be more like you Nicole! I love your one potted plant idea! I hope your valentine's was great!

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  45. I just love all your inspirational ideas for your patio, Nicole! I can't wait to see what you do with this amazing space! Don't you just love a clean slate? So many possibilities! I know you will have fun. Hugs xo Karen

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  46. Looks like a lovely idea for the spot! The lily of the valley is very pretty.

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  47. Oh yes, there are so many possibilities! I can't wait to see what you decide to do - I know it will look beautiful :)

    Enjoy the remainder of your week, sweet friend. Hugs!

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  48. My goodness, Nicole, your patio is a wonderful spot! It is going to be beautiful in the spring when you touch it with your green thumb. It will be great seeing all the wonderful things you put in this special space and I can envision many special times being spent out there with your family and friends. You did an awesome job in designing the patio area. I love the walls and I think they lend an element of coziness and privacy for your gatherings and celebrations. I am anxious to see what you put in your pots out there and I know it will be simply beautiful! Wishing you and your family many happy days enjoying this special place!

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  49. Sai che mi piace moltissimo quell'angolo! Il materiale con il quale hai fatto il muro è bellissimo, sono sicuro che verrà una bellezza :)

    Tienici aggiornati :)

    Un saluto!

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  50. that is a lovely lovely idea! i can't wait until i start reimagining what my yard and garden will look like! :)

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  51. What wonderful plant choices for a beautiful space!!

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  52. Dear Nicole,

    Such a great idea for your patio and love all the inspiration you have shared here.
    Lily of the Valley is one of my favourite flowers as my Mum used to grow it.
    I actually bought a plant a month or so ago and have it growing in a pot and hopefully it will flower one day.
    Hope you have a happy weekend friend
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  53. Ahh lily of the valley, so delightful xx

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  54. The vast majority of my pots are full of just one type of plant. It can provide a very harmonious, cohesive look as opposed to a wall of thrillers, spillers, and fillers. There are some improved impatiens coming out as well lots of coleus to brighten your patio. :o)

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  55. What a great space. I will be looking forward to see what you decide.

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  56. You are so on top of things... with new projects every year! I love the hydrangea!!

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  57. wow, all that lush greenery! love lily of the valley!

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  58. Nicole, your comment very much made my day, so thank you for the visit! Everlasting Feast might be of interest to you too. In fact, at the sighting of Lamb's ear in some of the food photo I thought of you! Bx

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