Hey GPODers!

We asked, and Howard delivered! A couple weeks back we received photos of gorgeous window box designs from Howard Nemeroff (check those out here: New Creations From a Window Box Expert), and today he’s back with some fabulous spring containers.

Howard is the the owner of Plant Parenting, a Chicago-based interior plant and container design service. Since 1986 he has been crafting award-winning container arrangements for residential and commercial buildings, adding curb appeal and pops of colorful flowers and foliage through the seasons.

A unique and iconic part of Howard’s designs is his use of branches as accents or fantastic, swirling forms. As a true woody-plant lover, I find this use of under-appreciated garden material swoon-worthy, and they certainly make Howard’s spring displays stand out from the rest.

Below you’ll find some of Howard’s favorite creations from this spring, many featuring those signature branches. To get even more inspiration from Howard, follow him on Instagram: @plant_parenting

Elegance and whimsy all in one! The swirling pussy willow (Salix discolor, Zones 8–10) gives the formal urn a playful vibe, while the monochromatic color scheme keeps the large pot subdued and naturalistic.

Relatives, but not twins. It is quite challenging to create containers that coordinate but aren’t exact replicas, and Howard makes it look easy. The bright green foliage and signature swirling branches were complimented perfectly with cheerful pops of yellow flowers. I can’t imagine how breathtaking this was when the daffodils finally bloomed.

Yet again proving that green is anything but boring. This bright chartreuse color is like sunshine on those earliest spring days, and creates a stunning center piece for any kind of occasion or gathering. Howard uses some faux plants in some of his earliest spring designs, but can you tell which plants from the above are actually fake?

While I was just singing the praises of Howard’s complimentary designs above, there is a classic beauty in two matching containers flanking an entryway that never gets old.

Case in point again—two baby blue pots sporting the tried-and-true container recipe: thrillers, fillers, and spillers.

White tulips and those signature pussy willow branches are elegant thrillers, it appears to be delicate pansies that are filling out the pot with some more flowers, and English ivy is (Hedera helix and cvs., Zones 5–11) spilling out from all sides.

Lastly, two giant bowls of spring color. Many gardeners might feel like they need to use a multitude of different plants to create impressive container displays, but don’t forget the power a a mass planting. These citrus mix pansies are mounded up to look like giant scoops of flowers. YUM!

Thanks again for sharing your incredible designs, Howard! Who is feeling inspired to create something completely new in their container garden? 🙋‍♀️

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

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