Pots and planters looking dishevelled? Garden experts advise ways to increase their appeal as summer draws to a close

Seven ways to increase the appeal of pots and planters

Brits have been offered tips on simple and cost effective ways to increase the appeal of their pots and planters in the final weeks of summer.

Garden lighting and design experts at LightingLegends.com have shared their advice on easy yet effective ways to make planters more attractive – from giving everything a good clean to adding small lights and lanterns.

As we approach the point in the year where the summer season starts to wind down, many gardeners might be finding that their outdoor spaces are starting to look tired and worn out.

The UK’s unpredictable weather, with its erratic swings between scorching heat and unseasonal downpours, means that some plants haven’t thrived as well as they usually would, resulting in wilting flowers and faded foliage.

But revamping your garden pots and planters is a great way to refresh the outdoor space and create a welcoming and cosy atmosphere.

A well kept garden can also increase the curb appeal and property value of a home over time.

Jon Saeed, Managing Director at Lighting Legends said: “It’s good to plan ahead before summer ends and think about some of the simple things you can do to increase the appeal of your pots and planters before the season is over.

“There are plenty of small but effective changes you can make that will refresh the look of your outdoor space.

“Simple things like changing the colour of your pots, adding seasonal decorations and incorporating lighting are all great ways to instantly add appeal.”

How to increase appeal of your pots and planters:

1. Clean and refresh

The first thing you should do is look to clean up any dead leaves or flowers surrounding your pots and give the space a tidy up. Not only are these unattractive to look at but they can also welcome pests which can lead to a much bigger problem. Keep on top of the maintenance of your planters by cleaning them once every couple of weeks.

It’s also worth trimming and pruning plants as you go to encourage new growth.

2. Add new plants

Adding plants that match the new season is a great way to add interest to your garden and can help give it a completely fresh and new look especially if your summer plants are beginning to fade.

You can also include hardy, multi-seasonal plants. These will cope better with the weather changes throughout the year.

3. Add seasonal decorations

If you find it to be too much hassle to add new seasonal plants, opt for seasonal decorations instead. These can be easily switched out year after year as the seasons change.

As October approaches you may want to add some small pumpkins or decorative leaves. In December you can switch these out for fun Christmas decorations.

4. Uplighting plants and flowers

Enhance your summer evenings by adding lighting to your favourite plants and flowers. Small lights or lanterns around pots and planters can help them stand out and create a magical and cosy atmosphere in your garden. It’s also perfect preparation for the shorter days ahead.

Those with larger planters can drape string lights around them or hang them overhead if you have a structured pergola. Ensure your lights are waterproof to prevent damage. The experts recommend using IP65 waterproof rated lights to use them all year-round

5. Use colourful pots

Changing the colour of your pots is a great way to instantly refresh the area and give it a different feel. You can paint these yourself using acrylic paint or look into getting some new ones.

Choose brighter colours in the summer months and more moody and darker colours in the autumn and winter.

6. Use height

Elevating your plants to heights in one pot will help to create visual interest. You can do this by using risers. Place the plants on risers at the back of the pot and use planted flowers to hide them.

Incorporating different heights will give your pots more of a three dimensional effect, create balance in the garden and provide a focal point.

7. Consider stands or shelves

Using stands or shelves is another way to elevate your plants. It also will allow you to add another element to your garden incorporating more colours and textures. Shelves also mean you can get the most out of your garden by placing things vertically rather than relying solely on ground space.