Plants are an excellent way to add a touch of nature to your outdoor space. However, you don’t want to stick plants in any garden bed and call it a day. Plant styling will help your plants shine and make your outdoor space look more put-together.
Why should you style your plants? Well, aside from the fact that it looks great and adds a nice touch to your outdoor living space, plant styling helps the plants grow! The suitable soil, sunlight, and location will help them grow strong and healthy. Styled plants also add some greenery that complements the rest of your outdoor decor by tying in with your furniture or other outdoor accessories.
Whether you’re new to this whole plant styling thing or you’re looking for some fresh inspiration, we’re here to help you out! Read on for some pro plant styling ideas.
Our Favorite Plant Styling Ideas
There are many different plant styling ideas, and it can be hard to choose which one is best for you. Today we’re going to take a look at some of our favourite plant styling ideas and their pros and cons.
1. Japanese Style Plants
Japanese-style gardens are popular all over the world. They bring a sense of peace and tranquillity to your outdoor living area.
There should be a balance between natural elements such as plants, rocks, water, and artificial structures like bridges and fences. The plants used in Japanese-style gardens need to have a delicate look but also hardy, so they can cope with being outside all year round.
You can choose from many different types of plants for your Japanese-style garden. There are shrubs like azalea or camellia, which will give colour throughout the year; herbaceous perennials like hosta, which will provide foliage; annuals like impatiens, which will flower during the summer months, climbers such as wisteria, which will cover walls or arbours; evergreens like holly which will provide structure and colour even when there isn’t much else happening outside during the Fall and Winter!
Pros:
- The simplicity of a Japanese garden is very calming and relaxing.
- They are easy to maintain, as there is not much fuss with plants and flowers.
- The geometric shapes of the plants can be quite striking and beautiful.
Cons
- A Japanese garden may be too simple for some people’s taste.
- The plants can be pretty expensive if you buy them from a specialty store.
2. The Farmhouse Style
The farmhouse style is all over, and with good reason: it’s comfy, cozy, and full of the things you love. It’s also an excellent style for your outdoor garden or yard. What better way to spend a day than in the fresh air, surrounded by your favourite plants?
To get this look, start with something rustic: an old wooden fence or pallets. If you want to add some colour, consider painting them a warm shade like terracotta. Next, add some unique planters: terracotta pots are classic, but an old wagon can make a statement too.
As for the flowers and plants themselves, think outside the box: succulents are great because they’re easy to care for and come in a ton of different varieties. If you try some regular flowers, go with something hardy—like daisies—that won’t wilt when you forget to water it (hey, we’ve all been there). And don’t forget the greenery! A climbing vine can be a great way to add colour and height to your space.
Pros:
- Rustic look
- Adds height
- Distressed finishes with materials & pots
Cons:
- Not suitable for small spaces
Interested in updating your landscaping this season? Contact the professionals at Lawrence Park Garden Care for all of your landscaping and gardening needs.
3. Plants for Spanish-Style Homes
Spanish-style gardens are often associated with dry, arid areas near the Mediterranean. They feature bright colours, heavily scented flowers and herbs, and stonework.
These gardens can be characterized as highly structured, utilizing geometric shapes that draw the eye through the garden. The focal points of these garden designs are usually sculptural elements such as fountains and statues.
The planting scheme for a Spanish garden typically includes a lot of fragrant plants that attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. These plants include:
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans)
- Mexican oregano (Poliomintha longiflora)
- Sages (Salvia spp.)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
You can integrate these fragrant plants throughout the garden in mixed borders or large beds planted with a single species.
Pros:
- Create the feel of a larger space
- Great for small gardens and yards
Cons:
- Planting in clusters can also make a space feel busy and cluttered. Be careful not to overdo it!
Our Take: The Best Outdoor Plant Styles for Toronto Homes
If you’re based in Toronto, you might want to consider a mixed-style approach to your garden. Take pieces and ideas from the Japanese, farmhouse or Spanish styles and make it your own with plants and greenery that will thrive in the Toronto climate.
This is because the weather can be pretty harsh in the winter, and you don’t want your plants to suffer as a result. That being said, use perennial plants, flowers or herbs that can survive throughout the year. Accent these perennial plants and flowers with annual flowers that will add a pop of colour during the Spring and Summer months.
On the other hand, if you have more space to work with, you can go wild with your plant choices. Also, this is a great way to add some personality to your garden, and it can be enjoyable to experiment with different looks. Just be aware that you’ll need to put in more work to keep everything looking its best.
Work with Plant Styling Experts
We hope we have given you some inspiration to make an informed choice about your own space. Be sure to contact us for any help with small space landscaping needs you may have!
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