Potted plants are magicians.  They can turn hardscape into landscape.  Pots filled with greenery and flowers soften the hard edges of any patio or deck area.  They also create the feel of a garden where there's no earth to plant one.  Plants in pots contribute gentle textures, graceful movement, delicious scents , and seasonal changes.  They lure butterflies, hummingbirds, and other welcome visitors.

In short, they can add life to urban outdoor spaces and best of all, because container plantings are portable, you can make little changes at any time without distributing the whole scene.

Remember all you need is potting soil, outstanding containers, and plants, and a place to display them.  How easy is that?

The first opportunity to create a contained garden is by your front door.  Visitors form their initial impression of your home, so this is the area you would most like to appear welcoming.  Just a few potted plants is all it takes to change the picture from austerity to hospitality.

Then check out the patio areas.  Keep in mind that the more gardenlike you want a potted plant space to appear, the more important it is to focus on foliage plants.  Use vertical space to help create a convincing garden by filling pots with tall plants and grasses.  If you have stairs make sure they are wide enough to hold the pot selected for that space.  This touch can really add something to a long flight of steps in your garden area.  Try to make all your outdoor areas warm and welcoming.