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" Mix, Match, and Blend Contrasting shapes of foliage make for an attractive arrangement when color is used to visually link them. In this grouping of three different types of succulents, each plant has a very distinct shape\u2014the rounded leaves of the Sedum nussbaumerianum, far left; the long, tapering fronds of the air plant, center; and the spiky branches of the echeveria hybrid. Shared reddish tones unite the three. The galvanized-metal tubs highlight the silvery hues of the air plant and harmonize with the concrete terrace, helping integrate the trio into the setting. Tip: Container plantings need to be watered more frequently than in-ground gardens, which is why drought-resistant specimens such as succulents are an excellent, low-maintenance choice. Dress up an Informal Garden The stateliness of two carefully sheared potted boxwood topiaries creates a playful juxtaposition with the rest of this casual wooded garden. Potting the boxwoods\u2014and separating them from the in-ground plantings\u2014accentuates their role as decorative elements. The pair make a striking focal point, filling a void at eye level between the garden&amp;#039;s low plants and tall trees, while the rounded stone containers echo the shape of their pruned foliage. Tip: Boxwood, holly, and yew are all good choices for topiaries because they are slow-growing and don&amp;#039;t require constant pruning. Work a Variation on a Theme Plants and containers in graduating sizes and heights can be stunning even when working with a single species or material, like these dwarf conifers in terra-cotta, left. To create an interesting interplay of geometric shapes, match some shrubs with containers that have a similar form, and pair others with contrasting ones. In this grouping, the curviness of the two smallest shrubs is set off by the straight sides of their pots, while the upward-reaching branches of the evergreen on the right are accentuated by their bowl-shaped container. Tip: Evergreens provide year-round decoration, but if you live in a cold climate and plan to leave them outdoors during the winter, make sure you choose weather-resistant pots, such as ones made of lead or zinc. Try This: One-Pot Gardens Creating an appealing mixed arrangement in a single pot is much like grouping single species in individual containers, but here are a few extra things to keep in mind. 1. Choose specimens that have similar sun and water needs, like this assortment of golden sweet potato vine, hot pink New Guinea impatiens, white mini zinnias, and Japanese forest grass. Plant the flora in a zigzag pattern for a natural, unplanned look. 2. Counterbalance tall plants by integrating trailing plants around the edges of the pot. The long tendrils of Algerian ivy, licorice plant, creeping zinnia, and fan flower help blend the foliage with the container. 3. Surround a large, architectural plant, like this sago palm, with an understory of small, shade-loving specimens such as &amp;#039;Wojo&amp;#039;s Gem&amp;#039; Vinca and lisianthus. Other combinations of headliners and supporting players include castor bean and orange sedge; angel&amp;#039;s trumpet and bacopa; and honey bush and purple sage. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/a1515/simple-solutions-potted-plants-a-17137/>