Play with bold colors and mix and match to your desired look.

Bridgehampton - Whether you are planning to design an interior space of your home, a garden, or a beautiful planter/vessel; this should always be your guide. Repeat it as a Mantra: Color, Texture, Contrast!

As this guide relates to all creative processes here is how it applies specifically to planning your visual impact for various planters and vessels:

The choice of a planter and or vessel is purely personal, whether it be purely aesthetic, functional, or both. All you have to have is the proper drainage. Also, for the best on-going blooms throughout the season, the plant materials need to be continually maintained and watered regularly.

The location of your planters is very important as well. Will they be in full sun, part shade, or shade? This of course steers you towards the appropriate plant, vines, tree and flower selections offered at your nursery.

Searching for the right vessel is always fun, and sometimes when you least expect it there it is! Sitting in your basement, garage, shed or at some other display on the road. Don't hesitate! Get it. Your initial instincts are always right.

Even if you don't have a place for it immediately. Just start thinking about what colors might make you happy. Or what textures and color combination to experiment with. Sometimes the vessel will tell YOU. For instance, a basic terra cotta planter is usually orange or rust (a warm color). If you were to plant cool colors such as purple, blues, periwinkles, and greens of course - the planter and its visual impact is dazzling!

With this unique planter, I decided to take it's Majorlica colors and texture design as my lead. Using a variety of Coleus, Pumpkin Vines, and Blood Grass that moved gracefully with the wind. Then adding for the finishing touches bright Fuscia and White Petunias for contrast and visual impact.

If you were to put more orange and yellow flowers such as Lantana, and then compliment them with a bright purple flower such as Dark Knight petunias; here too is an exquisite effect.

Choosing plants by texture is equally as important. Think of the leaf structures, and the growth pattern of the plants and vines you are choosing. They should vary and reach in different direction: upwards, downwards and outstretching.

Don't over plant! Many people do not leave enough space between plants to give them room to flourish. Keep in mind that all living things need air and space to grow.

After the love is gone - that's when, at the end of the season, our lovely plantings begin to fade, and around that time you might like to consider a fresh approach.
Perhaps some seasonal plants will give your planters a new visual boost? If you have the time and inclination, Mums and Japanese Peony are always wonderful this time of year. The powerful Mandovilla are also a wonderful choice. They keep on blooming and climbing through September and come in brilliant reds, deep pinks and refreshing white.

Despite some of our hectic schedules this summer, every time I personally glance out at my patio, the new landscaping and the purple and periwinkle planters, the bright orange and purple petunia planters, and the beautiful climbing white Mandovilla, a serene mood of tranquility and inner joy was always my gift.