Colorful Accents for the Deck
As rewarding and versatile as a deck can be, sometimes its expanse of wood needs a splash of color to liven things up. Planters, built-in or standing free, are among the easiest -- and least expensive -- ideas for dressing up a deck and tying it in visually to the house and the rest of the landscape. Planters may be incorporated into a railing design at the top of a post, a column connecting sections, or as part of the railing itself. On a deck that sits close to the ground, planters can be grouped to follow the edge and give the area definition. They can be positioned to mark a stairway, denote a change in levels, and divide the deck into zones. On-grade decks can use the planter theme in yet another way, with openings cut into the deck floor to accommodate plants and allow them to root directly in the ground. ©California Redwood Association This wooden deck elegantly incorporates planters according to the overall design and layout of the steps. |
Planters bring more than color to a deck. With proper
drainage and a little attention, annual and perennial flowers can provide
fragrance and blooms over a long period. Vegetables and fruits that grow well
in contained spaces, such as cherry tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries, can
supply a bit of fresh summer produce. Even in winter, small berry-producing
shrubs in a planter can add seasonal color and cheer.
©California Redwood Association
The combination of tiles and wood ties these planters in with both the wooden
deck and the pool -- both colorwise and in terms of materials.
