Perfect Pots for Outdoor Entertaining

Eating in the out-of-doors is a delicious summer pleasure in the Northwest, as many of us only have a few months to soak up that gorgeous summer sunshine before the fog and rain return. The abundant flavors of summer and the lush growth of our garden plants combine to make lounging outdoors at mealtimes a pure joy. So when I plan my summer containers, I add some fragrant foliage interest with fresh herbs. Not only do herbs look beautiful, they are also functional. It’s a snap to pull a few sprigs to enhance a barbecue, a pitcher of lemonade, or an evening cocktail.

Purple sage is a huge favorite of mine. Not only does it taste great with roasted vegetables on the barbecue, the sultry purple new growth gives a boost of interest to containers spring through fall. Pair it with the cascading flowers of Superbena^® Dark Blue Verbena and Superbena^® Large Lilac Blue Verbena for a multi-hued purple show. Add Graceful Grasses^® Vertigo^® for a burst of spiky textural contrast.

Lemon thyme and lemon verbena are two other herbs I love in pots. Lemon verbena’s upright, airy habit makes it a natural next to tumbling plants like Sunsatia^® Lemon Nemesia with its prolific yellow blooms. A few crushed lemon verbena leaves are fantastic in ice water, punch, or fruity summer cocktails. Add some variegated lemon thyme to the mix for a pop of golden foliage color.

Of course, some people would prefer to have their flowers and eat them too! Daylilies, pansies, and nasturtiums all have edible blooms that can be used as garnishes for fruit salad, drinks or desserts.

What are you waiting for? Get out in the garden today and enhance your pots with a mix of color, fragrance and flavor that will wow your guests and create happy summer memories of the time spent together outdoors.

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