10 Unique Container Gardens You Can Create Now

Are you looking for a creative way to add some color and life to your small space? Container gardening is a great way to do that! You can create a unique container garden anywhere – on your patio, balcony, indoors, or even in a vertical garden.

Container gardening is also a great way to grow your own organic fruits and vegetables. If you’re short on space, you can even grow them in a small container on your windowsill.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for 10 unique container gardens you can create today!

Container gardens are a great way to add color and life to your outdoor space: Container gardens have come a long way in recent years. You can now find a variety of stylish containers to choose from for your garden. No matter what size space you have to work with, you can find creative ways to make your garden look great. You can also choose from a variety of materials to build your garden. Terra cotta pots, hanging baskets, wooden planters, recycled containers, fabric pots, and other materials provide a range of design possibilities. Container gardens are also low-maintenance and can be easily set up and taken down. No matter the size of your space, you can add a colorful and lively touch by creating a container garden.

A succulent garden is a great way to add a unique touch to your outdoor space. Succulents are a type of plant that thrive in dry, warm climates and require little water so they are great for indoors. Are you on a hybrid work schedule and only in your office a few days a week? A succulent garden is a great way to add some plant life to your workspace without worrying that they suffer because you are not often in the office. A succulent garden also offers endless opportunities for creativity. You can create interesting patterns with different colors, sizes, and shapes of succulents.

 

A wildflower garden is the perfect container garden for those who are seeking a natural look in their outdoor space. Fill your container with flowering plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant different varieties of wildflowers to create an explosion of colors in your garden.

Follow these steps to create your own wildflower garden:

- Select a container with ample depth and drainage holes.

- Fill the container with a mixture of potting soil and compost.

- Choose a variety of wildflower seeds, considering their blooming seasons.

- Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil surface and gently press them in.

- Water the container regularly, keeping the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

- Once the wildflowers bloom, enjoy the explosion of colors in your garden.

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Features golden-yellow petals with a dark center.
• California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): Showcases bright orange or yellow cup-shaped flowers.
• Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus): Displays beautiful blue, pink, or white blooms.
• Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus): Offers delicate flowers in various colors, such as pink, white, or purple.
• Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella): Presents striking red and yellow daisy-like flowers.

A herb garden is a great way to add a fragrant and flavorful touch to your outdoor space. Pick some of your favorite herbs and plant them in a container. Herbs such as oregano, rosemary, and basil are great choices, but you can also plant some more exotic herbs, such as curry leaf and Thai basil.

A butterfly garden is perfect for attracting a wide range of butterflies to your space. Fill your container with plants that are attractive to butterflies. Include flowers, such as dandelions, daisies, and zinnias. You can also incorporate some herbs and other plants that provide an extra food source for the butterflies.

 

Here's how you can create a butterfly-friendly container garden:

- Choose a container with sufficient space for multiple plants.

- Select plants that are attractive to butterflies, such as dandelions, daisies, and zinnias.

- Incorporate herbs and other plants that provide extra food sources for butterflies.

- Fill the container with well-draining soil.

- Plant the chosen flowers and herbs, ensuring they have enough room to grow.

- Place the container in a sunny location and water regularly.

• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): Features vibrant orange flowers and is a favorite of monarch butterflies.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Boasts eye-catching purple-pink petals and attracts various butterfly species.
• Lantana (Lantana camara): Offers clusters of colorful flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Verbena (Verbena bonariensis): Presents tall, slender stems topped with purple or pink blooms that butterflies adore.
• Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum): Showcases fluffy clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that butterflies find irresistible.

A shade garden is perfect for those who don't get direct sunlight. In a shade garden, you can incorporate plants that have adapted to receive less sunlight by developing larger leaves, thinner stems, or the ability to tolerate lower light levels. Shade garden plants are typically known for their vibrant foliage, texture, and sometimes unique flowers. When planning a shade garden, it's essential to consider the specific light conditions of your space. Some shade gardens receive dappled sunlight, allowing for a wider range of plant options, while others may have deep shade, requiring plants that can thrive in darker conditions.

• Hosta (Hosta spp.): Known for its attractive foliage in various shades of green, blue, or variegated patterns.
• Ferns (Various genera): Offer lush, feathery foliage and thrive in shady conditions.
• Impatiens (Impatiens spp.): Present vibrant blooms in a range of colors, including pink, red, orange, or white.
• Heuchera (Heuchera spp.): Showcases colorful leaves, such as purple, burgundy, or silver, and sometimes produces delicate flowers.
• Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides): Provides a kaleidoscope of colorful foliage, perfect for adding visual interest to shady areas.

Also, don't forget about edible plants! Leafy greens like arugula, spinach, lettuce, and kale need less direct sunlight than plants that fruit and flower. Consider one of Hortiki's popular indoor garden kits such as the spinach garden kit pictured below to get started. 

Planting fruits and vegetables in containers is an excellent option for individuals who have limited space or lack a traditional garden. When planting fruits and vegetables in containers, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First, choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the specific plant's root system and growth habit. Ensure that the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Selecting the right plants for container gardening is crucial. Opt for compact or dwarf varieties that are well-suited for container growth and have shorter maturity periods. Popular choices for container vegetable gardening include cherry tomatoes, peppers, herbs like basil and rosemary, lettuce, dwarf beans, and even compact varieties of cucumbers or zucchini.

A cactus garden is a great way to add an interesting, unique touch to your outdoor space. It's similar to a succulent garden, but can offer a more consistent look than a highly varied succulent garden. Also, by only plant cacti maintenance can be easier, with all your plants having similar care needs.  

The shapes and colors of cacti are both intriguing and beautiful.

• Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii): Features round, ribbed stems with golden spines.
• Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.): Presents vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, white, or purple.
• Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii): Offers colorful, flattened stems in various shades like red, orange, or yellow.
• Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria spp.): Displays globular stems covered in spines, often with colorful flowers.
• Zebra Cactus (Haworthia fasciata): Showcases striking white stripes on its fleshy, pointed leaves.

Some of the best flowers for containers include impatiens, petunias, begonias, and gazanias. Just make sure to pick a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage. With a little bit of care, you can have a beautiful display of flowers in no time.

A Japanese garden is perfect for those who want to create a zen-like atmosphere in their space. Plant bamboo and add a water feature to create a peaceful, calming space.

- Choose a container that complements the Japanese aesthetic, such as a ceramic or wooden planter.

- Incorporate elements like bamboo, rocks, moss, and a water feature.

- Arrange the elements harmoniously, creating a sense of balance and simplicity.

A tropical garden is the perfect way to bring a bit of the tropics to your backyard. Plant lush tropical plants such as hibiscus, palm trees, and ferns in a container. Arrange the plants to create different patterns and textures in your garden. Add a few pieces of driftwood to give it a more natural feel.

Follow these steps to create your own tropical container garden:

- Select a container with sufficient space for lush tropical plants.

- Choose plants like hibiscus, palm trees, ferns, or other tropical varieties.

- Fill the container with well-draining potting soil.

- Arrange the plants, considering their sizes and textures.

- Add pieces of driftwood to enhance the natural feel of the garden.

- Place the container in a sunny location and water accordingly to the plant's needs.

• Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis): Presents large, colorful blooms in various shades, such as red, pink, orange, or yellow.
• Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae): Showcases unique, bird-like flowers with vibrant orange and blue hues.
• Elephant Ear (Colocasia spp.): Offers oversized, heart-shaped leaves in shades of green or purple.
• Palms (Various genera): Choose dwarf varieties like Areca palm or Parlor palm that thrive in containers.
• Ferns (Various genera): Provide lush, feathery foliage and thrive in the humid conditions of a tropical garden.

 

No matter what type of garden you decide to create, container gardens are a great way to bring life and color to your small space. Now that you know 10 unique container gardens you can create in May, you can start planning your dream garden!