Pots of Style 2019 is brimming with ideas for creating beautiful container displays that celebrate the seasons. This new special issue explains how best to combine plants in pots of all shapes and sizes and for gardens of all styles, with easy-to-follow designs from some of the UK’s leading plants people. Each display comes with a plant list, suggestions for containers and steps on how to achieve the look – with ideas for early spring, spring, early summer, summer and autumn into winter. You’ll also find suggestions for some of the most stylish containers, the best planting kit and practical advice on how best to grow plants in pots.

WELCOME

CONTRIBUTORS

Gardens Illustrated: Pots of Style

EARLY SPRING • Mark new beginnings and the start of the gardening year with textural green displays and groupings of pots that celebrate spring’s delicate early risers. Plant up these gorgeous designs close to the house – around the front door or arrange on an outside table – to enjoy their colour and charm at close quarters.

A HIT FOR THE SENSES

POTTED GEMS

RINGING IN SPRING

HEAVEN SCENT

PATINA OF AGE

BOWLED OVER

ALL AFLUTTER

JOLLY GOOD SHOW

SPRING • Perennials are starting to flower now and containers can become more creative. Pretty, loose planting in pastel shades and combinations of cool, spring-green foliage with pops of bolder colour dominate. Look out for unusual gems at plant fairs and intriguing containers to plant up as lovely focal points in the garden.

SMOULDERING PINKS

PIPE DREAMS

HAPHAZARD LUXURIANCE

SHADES OF GREEN

COOL CUSTOMER

STAR URNS

OLD FLAMES

HEAT OF THE MOMENT

SHADY COMPANIONS

KITTED OUT • For planting up and maintaining your pots and containers

TIPS FOR PLANTING IN CONTAINERS • Container gardening is a versatile way to brighten up any space, but potted plants need a bit of care and forethought to look their best

SUMMER • Longer, warmer days allow for more time to be spent in the garden. Plants are sun-loving and rich in colour, and scent comes into play. The height of plants becomes more dramatic and playful grasses can be added to introduce texture and form into long-flowering displays.

CHOCOLATE BUNNIES

PERFECT PELARGONIUMS

GENEROUS WELCOME

SUN WORSHIPPER

MOTH CANDY

DRAMATIC SIMPLICITY

NATURAL FLAIR

POOLSIDE COOL

SUMMER SKIES

THREE OF A KIND

LIVING HISTORY

LATE SUMMER • Summer is in full swing and these pots bring on the heat. Yellow, orange, reds and deep purples rise above a foundation of lush green foliage. Encourage displays to tumble down characterful containers to emulate the more relaxed atmosphere of lazy days spent soaking up the sun.

PLAY OF LIGHT AND COLOUR

BRING ME SUNSHINE

ALL FIRED UP

GOOD COMPANIONS

TABLE FOR FOUR

GOING OUT WITH A BANG

AUTUMN AND WINTER • Late containers mean colour in warm corners and leafy grottos. A retreat into the house or greenhouse allows colours to remain bright. As the days shorten plants are exotic and foliage takes the lead.

FLAMING TORCHES

WARM CORNER

GREEN GROTTO

JUNGLE IN A BOX

HOT HOUSE PARTY

THE WOODLANDERS

Small pots • For stand-out plants, table displays and early spring flowers

Medium pots • Group together or use for simple combinations

Large pots • For long-lasting displays and creative combinations

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