Summertime is here! That means more hours of sunshine each day and the chance to enjoy those long, summer evenings. As the temperature starts to ease off in the evenings, we can spend time outdoors enjoying quiet moments on the patio.
Maybe you have a seat poolside, perhaps it’s time for a rest after a long day at work or you simply like to sit and listen to the locusts buzzing high up in the pecan trees. Hopefully, the mosquitos will stay away!
Whatever your situation, you’ll want to get your outdoor spaces in shape for the summer months. With those extra daylight hours, it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors.
FRESHEN UP YOUR CONTAINERS
Adding new plants to your porch is the best way to bring color and life to your outdoor space. The location of your porch will determine what kinds of plants will do best in the container. Here are some examples of plants that are perfect for containers, some for sunny spots and others that do best in the shade. Both will bring vibrant color, eye-catching texture and interest to your outdoor spaces.
SUN-LOVING CONTAINER
Purple Fountain Grass – this plant is made for the heat and sunshine. Fountain grass will actually lose its deep purple color if it doesn’t get enough sunlight. It will really take off when it gets established, so make sure you give your purple fountain grass plenty of room to grow.
Penta – looking for a pop of color to add to your flower beds or containers? Pentas not only add color but they will survive even the hottest summer. Cluster them together to create a pretty mound of purple, pink, red or even white. The blooms attract butterflies too!
Mexican Heather – this plant is technically a shrub but it works well in containers. With its purple blooms and deep green foliage, Mexican Heather will spill over your container and create eye catching texture.
Lamb’s Ear – this plant is just fun. Its leaves have the most unique color and fuzzy texture. That fuzziness actually protects its leaves from scorching under the most intense heat.
Salvia – there are many varieties of salvia and most thrive in the sunshine. They are ornamental plants with lovely blooms. These salvia plants have white flowers but can also sport purple or deep pink blooms.
SHADE-LOVING CONTAINER
Caladium – traditional caladiums love the shade. Their broad, ear-shaped leaves are tender and boast a number of beautiful hues. Light pink, white, deep green and deep pink varieties make the caladium an eye-catching plant for your containers.
Coleus – depending on the variety, coleus can thrive in the heat or prefer shade. This bright green, wide leaf variety does best in dappled light. Coleus is a favorite of mine because of the vibrant color combinations you can find them in. I especially love the bright pink, lime green and deep green variety.
Asparagus Fern – creating a cascading effect, asparagus fern will spill over the edges of your containers as it grows. It enjoys morning light but needs to be kept away from the harsh afternoon sun.
Vinca – available in a variety of colors, vinca thrives best in partial sun. Its sweet blooms add a pretty pop of color to your containers.
Angelonia – this plant produces spikes of blue, purple, mauve or white flowers that last all summer long. They can also be used in flower beds and look great in containers too. They can tolerate more sun but do well with morning light.
FINAL TOUCHES
Another way to add color and coziness to your porch is by layering in decorative items that match the color palette of your containers and plants.
Outdoor Rug – made from durable weather-proof materials, outdoor rugs pull together a patio or other outdoor spaces. It adds a layer of texture and anchors any pieces of patio furniture.
Pillows – an easy way to include comfort, color and playful patterns to an outdoor space is the use of outdoor pillows. Try selecting pillows in the same color palette as the plants and containers on the porch. The combination will really pack a punch.
Entertaining Pieces – there are so many beautiful entertaining pieces that are specifically made for the outdoors. Melamine plates, elegant looking glasses, natural materials like rattan and wicker, all can be used for entertaining outdoors without worrying if something will break on the patio or by the pool.
By Callie Harris
Photos By Shayli Anne Photography
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