This is the first in a series of four blogs about planting in pots

Planting in pots is an exciting option in London where buildings are ever-present and clients lack the space available in traditional out-of-town gardens. By planting in pots we can dramatically change the way people feel about their space.

This is definitely a case of less is more, because a simple pot made of great materials with fabulous plants and skilful maintenance will produce an effect that is incredibly beautiful – a real art form in its own right.

It's the artistry of creating something really extraordinary.

So what are the ingredients for successful planting in pots?

Working with the light

A planting scheme needs to have a cohesive design, repeating ideas in different locations to pull it together. But this presents challenges in London with some areas of a garden enjoying plentiful sun whereas others are shaded by a building. As expert planting designers (and working with our planting designer colleagues) we can carefully choose plants that grow just as well in different environments. So that identical specimens planted in pots on either side of a doorway, one in the shade and one in full sun, will look equally fabulous.

Size

Scale and proportion to fit the setting are critical and a classic mistake is to choose pots that are too small. We love to work with pots 100 to 120 centimetres in diameter that can stand 80 centimetres tall. There are some wonderful pot manufacturers producing high-end work of stunning style, quality and character (do ask me to recommend my favourites) and a larger pot is a tremendous investment.

After care

I’m just passionate about planting in pots because the really impressive wow factor we create will last a long time … one installation we did 10 years ago looks as good today as when it first went in! The secret is our exceptional after care (maintenance seems too humdrum a word for the love we lavish). As plants grow, change and develop, we deploy our design vision to sustain and improve the effect as the seasons come and go.

Talk to us about how we can help create an amazing space for you.

Call us on 0207 305 7183 or email at enquire@alasteranderson.com