When you begin planning your pots, remember to think big, think garden: use a variety of herbs, flowers, perennials, bulbs and groundcovers. While you are combining plants, choose plants that are compatible. Shade lovers or full sun? Texture and colors must work well together. Doing a little homework on the front end will ensure that you have great looking, everblooming containers to enjoy throughout the seasons.

-Containers are important - think size and style. What are you trying to accomplish? Are you accenting a door, adding color to an evergreen hedge in the garden, grouping for interest around the patio? Think about investing in a good, solid pot with a classic design. Practical concerns are important: durability, drainage, porosity and weight.

-Design is important - do you want bold, hot colors (reds, oranges, yellows) or are you going for a more subtle, cool look (grays, blues, light pinks, soft lavenders). Consider mixing textures: light, airy ferns with stark upright grasses, drooping prostate rosemary with tall, upright salvias.

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rrange them artfully, and mix the textures and colors boldly. You will be generously rewarded with an array of colors, textures and scents.

-Continue to keep the pots clean and tidy and blooming by deadheading and trimming. A light fertilization when watering will keep them happy.

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