Regardless of where you live, nothing brightens up an outdoor landscape like pots of flowers and foliage. In fact, pots overflowing with lush plants and flowers can instantly transform a dreary yard into a brilliant focal point.

However, there's more to container gardening than simply placing pots around the yard. Keeping four aesthetic elements in mind when designing your flower garden will help you achieve the best visual potential possible.

Scale

Scale involves size and proportion. Try to combine two to three pots in different shapes and sizes together in a collection. Using unique flower pots will create a powerful visual statement. Choosing plants that accentuate the shape and design of the flower pot will further enhance the eye appeal.

For instance, if a pot is tall and narrow, select a thin plant that is about twice the height of the pot. For a wide and short pot, select a plant or flower that will only grow to about half the height of the pot. When short and tall pots and plants are grouped together, they provide a pleasant and appealing balance in your garden.

Form

The structure and shape of pots and plants are useful design tools that can produce a wide range of emotions, such as drama, excitement, tranquility, and serenity. To create drama and excitement, choose flower pots and plants with sharp lines and angles. To achieve a serene and tranquil appearance, opt for rounded shapes with curvy lines.

Avoid putting too many plants in the same container. An exotic plant potted by itself can make a dramatic statement in the garden. Overcrowding plants will only lead to a cluttered appearance and distract from the visual quality of your garden. If you do plant several varieties in the same pot, choose no more than three at most.

Color

Probably the most important element of container gardening is color. Color can make your garden space look big or small. Cooler tones, such as blues and greens make a space appear larger. Reds, oranges, and yellows will help to create a small and intimate atmosphere.

To create a sense of harmony and continuity, use two or three flowers of the same color but a different shade. For instance, soft pink, medium pink, and dark pink will provide a perfect pink harmony.  To provide a dramatic or exciting impact, choose colors that contrast with one another, such as reds, blues, and whites.

Texture

Texture is also important in garden design. Without proper texture, the impact of a garden will be diminished. Textured plants stimulate the senses. Wispy waves of ornamental grass swaying in the breeze appeals to both sight and sound. Touching the strands of the tall grass is pleasing to the sense of touch.

Texture entices visitors in the garden to come closer and explore. Add a combination of fuzzy plants with smooth ones. You can further enhance the senses by using containers in a variety of textures. Look for unique flower pots in smooth and rough finishes to match the texture of the plants.

A spectacular flower garden consists of one that properly incorporates the four aesthetic elements of design success. Using scale, form, color, and texture will help you create a lovely container garden that is pleasing to all the senses.