Colorful Containers

Our driveway is a big expanse of blacktop (especially since it's been resealed) and there isn't any focal point. I decided we needed a colorful container or planter to jazz up the area. I like planters which don't have to be watered constantly so perhaps I'll get a half wine barrel. I can paint it with the same paint as the lower level of the house. Whenever I put together a planter I always get three types of plants, a focal point for some height, a filler, and a trailer. I think the three planters above definitely fit the bill on height, fillers and trailers.

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I also try include plants which have interest even if they aren't blooming. Something tall like a grass or a foliage plant is good for the focal point. At our home in Florida I made a planter with dusty miller and lantana. In winter the dusty miller looked nice and the rest of the year the lantana bloomed. I particularly like the example above; it's all foliage plants, nothing is blooming yet it's very striking.

These three concrete containers are particularly appealing. It looks like a type of verbascum is used as the focal for height. I never would have thought to use that plant. What a good idea.

Too bad I don't still have my old bicycle from my lavender gardens now that was colorful planter. Ha. I don't think a lavender bicycle goes here in the mountains but a wood wagon would be a good fit.

Maybe I'll find an old chair at the trash to treasures sale this week. Might be too rustic a look for our yard though.

Now this is something I've never seen a sewing cabinet as a planter. Ha.

Here's a half barrel with legs for some height. Another good idea. So many ideas so little time. Anyway that's what I've been thinking about. As soon as I get mine planted I'll show you what it looks like. Some of the photos don't have a source to attribute them to; all were found on Pinterest except my bicycle. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.