There’s no need for your summer patio pots to sit empty

The trickiest part of summer planters is timing. Late frosts can still catch you out, so if your pots are movable, bring them in at night or use garden fleece—it can protect plants from light frost. Otherwise, wait until the risk of frost has passed.

Summer plants are only just getting started and have months to grow. Over the season they’ll double or even triple in size, giving you big impact and long-lasting colour. The hardest part is choosing from the huge range available!

With regular watering, deadheading, and feeding (liquid or slow-release), your planters and baskets will flower all summer and well into autumn.

For an extra surprise, add summer-flowering bulbs. Mini gladioli, alliums, lilies, or something a bit different like eucomis or acidanthera will pop up mid-summer for a bonus burst of colour. 🌿

A Simple Way to Choose Plants

Plants naturally grow in different ways. Some grow tall, some spread out, and some trail over the edges. Once you understand this, putting a planter together becomes much easier.

Plants are very forgiving—and so is planter design. Start simple, trust your eye, and enjoy the process. The more you play, the more confident you’ll become.

planter design tips link

Thriller, Filler, Spiller – Made Easy

Creating a great-looking planter is simple with the Thriller, Filler, Spiller method.

  • Thriller – one taller plant for height and impact
  • Filler – plants that fill the pot with colour and texture
  • Spiller – trailing plants to soften the edges

It’s an easy, beginner-friendly way to build full, balanced spring pots with instant results—perfect for first-time designers.