This article was originally written for an interview with Paint & Paper Library.
One of the ways in which you can enhance an entrance is by introducing pots or planters. In doing so you are giving it a structure from which you can create the rest of your display. Much like the pillars of Palladian entrances, the pots create a stage that transfigures the simple act of entering the building into a moment of performance.
In order to make your display look as good as it could possibly be, you need to take into consideration what you are working with, as opposed to simply going for what you have in your head. When a display looks good it is because the elements work together: what might look good on someone else’s entrance, might not work with yours.
Start by thinking about the type of property: style, age, design. Select a pot that will work with these elements, rather than jar against them and looks odd. Think about the layout of your entrance and what type of display you can create. Is there space for a symmetrical display with a pot either side, or will it just be the one.
Pot in image: Vanvitelli
Pot in image: Colonna
Regardless of season, one should always design a planting that doesn’t create a fight. Whether this be due to too many colours, or too many textures, etc, it should be pleasing and calming to the eye, not causing chaos and confusion.
If you plan on keeping the pot display in place throughout the year, it is a good idea of to think about perhaps using the ‘pot in a pot’ technique of planting. This is where you have a pot that fits inside the main ‘outer’ pot, that you can lift out and exchange for another one as and when you need to freshen up the planting. This technique works well whether you are using new plants every time, but also if you are reusing the plants and don’t want them on show when they are not looking at their best, so you can store them elsewhere in the meantime.
When it comes down to what plants to choose, make sure to firstly think about the practical side – a running theme in everything we do. Is your entrance in a shady spot, is it full sun? How diligent are you going to be with the watering? How long do you want it to look good for? Answering questions like this will narrow down your choice of plants, but will ultimately make a display that will look good and will last. One does not want to go through all this preparation if, in only a fortnight’s time, everything has withered.
Pot in image: Stemma
Pot in image: Cantina
Creating balance is vital in creating a display that is pleasing to the eye. This is a combination of the choice of colours, the different heights of the plants chosen, as well as other elements such as leaf size and different textures.
At Italian Terrace, we like to create single colour plantings, with perhaps little flecks of a complementary colour mixed in. This can then be added to with other pots in the display, having either the same colour or different ones, but resist the use of too many colours.
When thinking about the planting and pot choice, consider it with regards to the entrance as a whole: the height of the door, the scale of the different architectural elements, etc. Choose pots and plants that work with the surroundings to create a harmonious and balanced display.
We hope this has helped you with your own entranceway design and planning. If you have any questions or would like further advice, of any sort, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will be happy to advise.
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