The vertical stature of this Canna lily is complemented by other broad-leaf tropicals and completed with a finishing touch of bright spillers for contrast. (Barry Block Landscape Design & Contacting Inc.)

East Moriches - The long and lazy days of summer are finally in full swing, and you find yourself basking in the cool, refreshing waters of the pool. However, your perennial garden is in transition and there is not much vibrancy occurring around the water's edge. How do you revitalize that unique ambiance in your outdoor living space? Try a well-planned container garden, and brighten the landscape with "elegant vessels" filled with cascading foliage and fragrant blooms that will enhance the character of your poolside area.

There is an endless selection of plants to choose from to create a unique eye-catching planter. Everything from exotic, boldly-colored tropicals, to tri-colored grasses, and even perennials can be incorporated to create a lush container. Whatever you decide, be sure to blend three types of plants that perform different functions, but work in harmony.

The backbone plant should be a "thriller," something upright, spicy, and beautiful with outstanding qualities - the star player. Next, weave in some billowy "fillers," foliage or flowering plants that will complement the main player. Lastly, add a zesty splash of "spillers" that just tumble out of the pot, echoing or contrasting the theme started by the thriller and filler. Using a combination of these plants will create an intriguing composition rich in color, texture, and form.

Don't let the setting sun stop you from enjoying your planters at night. Mix in some white, silver, or variegated "moonscaping" thrillers, fillers, and spillers that will be sure to reflect the most moonlight and dazzle the senses after sundown. Many plants put on a show in the moonlight that is even showier than those in the sunlight. Some bloom exclusively at night and will only release their fragrances by the light of a silvery moon. Others will open in the day, but do not perfume the air until evening.

In this lush planter, the broad, deep burgundy leaves of a Canna lily are contrasted by soft textured, lacey leaves of Ferns and airy spillers.

Depending on the shape of the vessel and plant material, they will lend interesting silhouettes at night from the moon. The waters from the pool can help mirror the moonlight, producing subtle, captivating, and magical backlighting effects on your moonscape. Consider installing night lighting to accentuate your poolscape on cloudy nights. Whatever "moon planter" you choose, you will be transforming your home landscape into illuminated living space you can enjoy at all hours!

Container gardening also has many beneficial structural functions, making it an essential facet of your landscape. Not only does it adorn your pool and spa setting with long-lasting splashes of color in both the day and night, but containers may be placed strategically to screen or create privacy, and even complement the home's architectural features. Additionally, planted containers can be used to create focal points, help soften patios, and accent walkway entrances. Best of all, if you decide to change areas of your landscape or home, planters are easy to move and rework.

By blending a tapestry of complementary and contrasting color and texture, a unique and beautiful design element will be added to your poolscape. You and your summertime guests will enjoy a stimulating and delightful visual treat for many months (and evening hours!) to come.