Learn a designer’s tricks for transforming your entire yard using clusters of container plantings.

But coming up with theright mix of potted plantingsrequires an eye for design.

Enter garden designer and instructor Rochelle Greayer.

Greayer container garden

Credit:Matthew Benson

Here, she shares lessons from her own backyard for container gardens that transform any outdoor space.

Rochelle Greayeris a Massachusetts-based garden designer, instructor, and editor ofThe American Gardenermagazine.

Play with Contrast

“Texture is the magic trick,” Greayer says.

Container garden with various potted plants and flowers arranged in front of a dark shed with a window and door, surrounded by greenery.

Credit:Matthew Benson

“If a garden looks good in a black-and-white photo, youre onto something.”

Be Flexible

Try not to get too attached to any element in your arrangement.

Move pots around and swap things out as the seasons change or if something just isnt working well.

Greayer container garden

Credit:Matthew Benson

Pick a Theme

Choose a recurring elementa color, say, or a materialand start collecting pots and plants.

For pots, dont limit yourself to garden centers and nurseries.

“Its a great way to break up a view and distract,” Greayer says.

Potted plants arranged on steps, surrounded by a lush garden with flowers and greenery.

Credit:Matthew Benson

You dont need to buy plants solely for potting up.

Consider containers a starting point for plants that may end up in the ground elsewhere in the garden.

Potted plants arranged in a garden setting, including various foliage and flowers.

Credit:Matthew Benson