Steps

Steps, like paths, are often forgotten. But they are a great opportunity for packing in more plants, for softening hard, harsh features, and for injecting extra style. You cannot beat a rising flight of steps lined by pots to one side, giving color to a plain setting.

Evergreens are fantastic value because the brighten up the dullest steps all year. In fact they give three very good choices. You can repeat plants, using exactly the same shaped plants all the way up the steps, such as vertical, pencil thin conifers. You can try the full range of topiary shapes, everything from mini-teddy bear to pyramids. Or you can be really ambitious, and use potted evergreens to create a long, serpent like shape winding up from the bottom. More attractive steps need only be enlivened twice a year, with pots of spring tulips, and late summer-fall performers such as fuchsias. Ferns are excellent for decorating steps in the shade.

CREATING AN ENCLOSURE

LEFT: the best way to create a sense of privacy and build up layer of pot plants is to create some staging. Place the pots on the ground, on plinths, and even on outdoors shelving, with wooden boards supported by large, stout pots.

TABLE SCHEMES

RIGHT: when no one is eating at the table, use it for an extra display of pots. Shallow bowls of petunias and daisies are clustered on the table, with mixed pots on the ground.

THE OUTDOOR LOUNGE

BELLOW LEFT: spacious, carefully controlled seating areas need a matching background. These well-shaped evergreens blend with the restrained simplicity of the scene. Everything is laid-back and elegant.