As the summer heat peaks and our outdoor entertaining season reaches its zenith, it's easy to overlook the fading beauty of our patio plants. But fear not, for this is the perfect time to upgrade your garden with a few strategic additions. In this article, we'll explore some expert tips and insights on how to achieve an instant luxury garden transformation, focusing on the power of patio plants.
The Power of Ornamental Trees
One of the most effective ways to elevate your outdoor space is by incorporating ornamental trees. These natural wonders add architectural elegance and a sense of vertical interest, instantly creating a more luxurious ambiance. Among the top choices for July, we find the Cornus Kousa, a Japanese relative of the American Dogwood. With its bushy foliage and eye-catching bracts, this tree can transform any outdoor seating area into a lush oasis. Landscape designer Jon Fargion recommends pairing it with geraniums for an extra pop of color.
Another stunning option is the Acer, or Japanese maple. Known for its spectacular foliage and striking shapes, this tree is a favorite among landscapers for good reason. Jon suggests planting it with hakone grass or gallium odoratum for an abundant container combo. The Japanese maple thrives in shaded areas and performs exceptionally well during the summer months, making it an ideal choice for those looking to create a tranquil and elegant outdoor retreat.
Flowering Plants for Abundance
While ornamental trees provide a structural foundation, flowering plants are essential for creating a feeling of abundance and vitality in your garden. Gaura lindheimeri, for example, is a perennial with long-lasting summer blooms that resemble a cloud of butterflies. Its elegant long stalks, available in light pink or white, make it a perfect choice for patio containers and flower beds. Gaura thrives in direct sunlight, making it an ideal addition to your summer garden.
For a vibrant burst of color, annual geraniums, also known as Pelargoniums, are a reliable choice. These tough plants are readily available and thrive in the intense July heat. Marci Bonner, Associate Landscape Architect at Richardson & Associates, recommends deadheading the spent blooms every one to two weeks to keep them looking their best. Pelargoniums bloom from spring to fall and can be easily incorporated into container gardens, adding a touch of Mediterranean charm to your outdoor space.
Creating Impact with Cascading Plants
To truly elevate your garden, consider the power of cascading plants. Creeping Jenny, or Lysimachia nummularia, is a beautiful and resilient option. This mat-forming perennial adds a unique dimension to your containers, with its verdant foliage cascading over planters or hanging baskets. Marci suggests keeping the soil evenly moist and confining Creeping Jenny to containers to prevent it from becoming invasive in open ground.
Million Bells, or Calibrachoa, is another trailing annual that thrives in full sun. With its wide range of colors and pretty striped patterns, Million Bells can create a spectacular display. Marci recommends using a mix of bold red geraniums, white Million Bells, and chartreuse Creeping Jenny to create a patriotic look for Independence Day. This combination beautifully demonstrates the "thriller, filler, spiller" gardening method, resulting in lush and cascading displays.
Conclusion
By incorporating these expert-recommended patio plants, you can easily upgrade your garden and create a luxurious outdoor oasis. Whether you're refreshing your pots, introducing structural shade, or refining your summer garden design, these plants will help you achieve an instant impact. So, take inspiration from these designers and let your garden flourish with beauty and elegance this July.
