This is the time of year that I start dreaming of flowers and breezy mornings with a hot coffee out on my deck. In the summertime, I love those little moments for myself and often find myself gazing at my flower planters and feeling refreshed with their simple beauty. One of my favorite things to do once the risk of frost is over, is drive down to the nursery and pick out potted flowers and plants with my daughter. We plant up our favorite planters, and then have a little outdoor meal to enjoy the new view of fresh flowers and celebrate that outdoor living is here again. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush display of greenery, an elegant burst of florals, or a charming mix of cascading vines and textured plants, the right planter arrangement can transform any space into a quaint botanical sanctuary.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to design and assemble a stunning arrangement using our Willow Planters, a customer-favorite for their rustic charm and versatility. We’ll also share expert tips on plant selection, soil quality, and design techniques to help you create a thriving, magazine-worthy display.
At Interior Delights, we believe that creating a truly eye-catching planter starts with two essentials: stylish, functional vessels, and proper planting techniques. The Willow Planters from Interior Delights offer both beauty and practicality. These handwoven baskets, crafted with natural willow branches, bring an organic elegance to any space. Their warm, earthy tones pair effortlessly with both contemporary and traditional decor, making them a versatile choice for indoor and outdoor styling alike.
What makes them exceptional:
- Versatile sizes: The set includes two perfectly proportioned planters, ideal for layering plants or creating complementary displays.
- Built-in liners: Each planter features a protective plastic liner, safeguarding the willow from water exposure and making them suitable for live plants.
- Easy drainage: Like all of our planters, these have drainage holes or can easily accommodate them, ensuring your plants stay healthy and well-drained.
The Willow Planters are not only stylish—they’re designed with thoughtful functionality, making it easy for you to create a flourishing, low-maintenance arrangement.
Step 1: Choose the Right Plants
The key to a showstopping planter lies in selecting plants that offer a balance of height, texture, and color. For the most visually striking arrangement, consider using the classic “thriller, filler, spiller” technique.
- Thrillers: These are the statement plants—the focal point of your planter. Opt for tall, striking varieties that add height and drama. Ideal choices include graceful fountain grass, bold cordyline, or the architectural beauty of dracaena.
- Fillers: These medium-sized plants add fullness and texture. Consider vibrant geraniums, delicate calibrachoa, or soft, silvery dusty miller to create rich, layered volume.
- Spillers: To soften the edges and add movement, incorporate trailing plants that spill gracefully over the sides. Cascading sweet potato vine, delicate creeping Jenny, or trailing petunias are all beautiful options.
When combining plants, aim for a harmonious blend of complementary colors and textures. For a serene, elegant look, mix soft greens with creamy whites and gentle blush tones. If you prefer something bolder, choose rich jewel hues like deep burgundy, sapphire blue, and golden yellow. We love these flower combo ideas here from Better Homes & Gardens.
Step 2: Use Quality Potting Soil—Not Garden Soil
One of the most common mistakes in container gardening is using soil from the ground. While it may seem convenient, garden soil is far too heavy for planters. It compacts quickly, preventing proper drainage and suffocating roots. Worse yet, it often contains weed seeds, pests, and pathogens that can harm your plants.
For thriving, healthy containers, always use high-quality potting soil. It offers the right blend of organic matter, perlite, and nutrients, promoting better aeration and water retention.
Why potting soil makes all the difference:
- Improved drainage: Prevents water from pooling around the roots, reducing the risk of rot.
- Enhanced aeration: Allows oxygen to reach the roots, encouraging strong, healthy growth.
- Balanced nutrients: Ensures plants receive the nourishment they need to flourish.
If you’re planting succulents or cacti, opt for a specialty potting mix with added sand or grit to prevent soggy roots. For more specific flower tips and what to add to the soil, check out this spring planter info here!
Step 3: Assemble and Arrange Your Planter
Now for the creative part—bringing your vision to life. Here’s how to arrange a professional-looking planter with your Willow Planters:
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Prepare the Planters:
- If your planters don’t have pre-drilled drainage holes, you can easily add them by piercing small holes through the liner with a sharp knife or scissors. This allows excess water to escape, keeping the soil from becoming waterlogged.
- For additional drainage, place a thin layer of pebbles or gravel at the bottom before adding soil.
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Add the Soil:
- Fill the planter about two-thirds full with potting soil.
- Gently loosen the roots of each plant before placing them in the basket—this encourages the roots to spread and establish more quickly.
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Position Your Plants:
- Thriller: Place your tallest plant in the center and slightly towards the back, depending on where the arrangement will be viewed from.
- Fillers: Add your mid-sized plants around the thriller, creating a full, lush appearance.
- Spillers: Tuck trailing plants near the edges, allowing them to drape elegantly over the sides.
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Top Off with Soil:
- Once your plants are positioned, add more soil around them, gently firming it down. Leave about an inch of space below the rim to prevent overflow when watering.
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Water Thoroughly:
- Water generously after planting to help the soil settle and reduce transplant shock.
Step 4: Style and Display Your Planters
The Willow Planters offer endless styling possibilities. Here are a few inspiring ways to display them:
- Porch or Entryway: Place one planter on either side of your front door, filled with seasonal blooms or evergreens. For a layered look, mix heights by placing the smaller planter atop a decorative plant stand.
- Patio or Deck: Create a charming grouping by arranging the two planters together. Pair them with lanterns, outdoor candles, or garden statues for added ambiance.
- Indoor Elegance: Style the smaller planter as a centerpiece on a dining table, filled with herbs or miniature roses. The larger planter can hold a trailing pothos or lush fern in a bright corner of your home.
Caring for Your Planter Arrangement
To keep your planter looking its best throughout the season, follow these care tips:
- Water regularly: Potted plants dry out more quickly than those in the ground. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Fertilize monthly: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to keep blooms vibrant and foliage lush.
- Prune and deadhead: Regularly pinch off spent blooms and trim back leggy growth to maintain a tidy, full appearance.
- Refresh the soil: If your plants start to look tired, add a layer of fresh potting soil and nutrients.
Bring Timeless Beauty to Your Home with Interior Delights Willow Planters
Creating a stunning planter arrangement is more than just a gardening project—it’s an opportunity to infuse your home with natural beauty and personal style. With the Willow Planters from Interior Delights, you can easily design elegant, flourishing displays that add charm to your living spaces.
By choosing complementary plants, using proper potting soil, and following expert planting techniques, your arrangements will thrive with vitality and grace. Whether adorning your entryway, enhancing your patio, or brightening an indoor corner, these timeless planters will be a beautiful addition to your home for seasons to come.
Explore our full collection of elegant planters at Interior Delights, and create a botanical display that captures the beauty of nature with sophistication and ease.
