Gardening

Easy Summer Planter Ideas for a Timeless Backyard Look

Creating a Beautiful Backyard Garden with Potted Planters

Summer has officially arrived, and with it, the urge to dig into the dirt and make something beautiful. When I lived in Chicago, gardening meant tucking a few herbs or flowers into whatever space a city apartment would allow. But after moving into our home, I was instantly inspired by the potential of a full backyard garden.

While I wouldn’t call myself a natural green thumb, I am a determined one—and I’m learning as I go.

Last summer, we laid our bluestone patio (more on that soon—there are definitely a few blog posts coming!), and this summer, we’re focused on finishing it and styling the space to reflect that relaxed, traditional charm I love so much.

Designing a Nantucket-Inspired Garden Patio

Back in February, we had beautiful French doors installed off the back of the house. When planning the patio layout, we intentionally centered the stairs and left about 16” of patio space on either side—just enough for a gorgeous three-tiered planter display.

Last weekend, my new outdoor planters arrived, and I headed straight to my favorite garden center, Petitti’s Garden Center, to get planting.

When designing our backyard, I envisioned a landscape inspired by the timeless gardens of Nantucket: lush hydrangeas, lavender, petunias, and ornamental grasses, all layered in soft whites, pale pinks, cool greens, and shades of lavender.

My Summer Planter Color Palette: Green & White

To keep the design cohesive, I went with a classic monochromatic look for the largest planter—focusing on a green and white palette that feels both fresh and elegant.

For the perfect summer planter, follow the “Thrill, Fill, Spill” formula. It’s a tried-and-true method for beautiful container gardening:

  • Thrill: The statement plant that adds height and visual drama.
  • Fill: Lush, full plants that take up space and round out the planter.
  • Spill: Trailing plants that cascade over the edge for a soft, romantic effect.

Here’s what I planted in my large tiered container:

  • Thrill: White Mandevilla – a tropical showstopper with climbing blooms
  • Fill: White Caladium – soft, leafy texture in a luminous shade
  • Spill: Sweet Potato Vine and White Wave Petunias – spilling beautifully over the sides

This is actually the first time I’ve used caladium and sweet potato vine, and I’m already in love with how they’re growing. I can’t wait to see how full and lush everything becomes by mid-July.

DIY Herb Gardens in Small Pots

Next up were my two smaller planters, which I turned into kitchen herb gardens. Since I cook a lot (and host more than I probably should), I love having fresh herbs just steps from my back door. Placing them near the screen doors means I also get the added bonus of fresh herbal scents wafting into the house.

The herbs I planted:

  • Pot 1: Dill, Basil, Cilantro (similar watering needs)
  • Pot 2: Lavender, Basil (sun-loving, drought-friendly combo)

Together, they create a lovely staged effect on the steps, pairing beautifully with the larger container for a complete, layered look.

Pairs Well With: A Glass of Ercole Piemonte DOC Rosato

Because no Fauxtalian gardening session is complete without a little something chilled in hand, may I suggest: Ercole Piemonte DOC Rosato. It’s light, floral, and just the right amount of dry—basically the wine version of a sweet potato vine doing its thing in the sun.

This Italian rosato is a crowd-pleaser with notes of strawberry, rose petal, and citrus zest, and it finishes with a refreshing minerality that’s perfect for warm-weather sipping. Think of it as the wine that makes container gardening feel like an Aperitivo hour.

Where to Buy:
You can usually find Ercole Rosato at Wine.com, Total Wine, or your local boutique wine shop. For me, my favorite grocery store, Heinen’s, stocks this. Trust me, this container gardening moment pairs beautifully with a glass of rosato on the bluestone patio.

Bonus points if you’re barefoot and pretending your backyard is somewhere in the Italian countryside.

Ercole Piemonte Rosato wine pairing for summer gardening and outdoor entertaining on Fauxtalian Living.

Planning Your Own Summer Planters? Here’s What You Need:

Top Tips for Container Gardening:

  • Remember: “Thrill, Fill, Spill.” These three words will guide you every time.
  • Pay attention to sunlight. Make sure your plants match your patio’s sun exposure (full sun vs. partial shade).
  • Use filler at the bottom of large pots. I reused styrofoam packaging to reduce weight and improve drainage.
  • Invest in good organic potting soil. It’s worth it for healthy roots and vibrant growth.
  • Be patient! Your planters won’t look full right away. Leave space for growth, and within weeks they’ll be lush and thriving.

Products I Used:

Plants I Used:

  • White Mandevilla
  • White Caladium
  • Sweet Potato Vine
  • White Wave Petunias
  • Basil
  • Dill
  • Cilantro
  • Lavender

Whether you’re a first-time gardener or just looking to refresh your outdoor space with elegant summer containers, I hope this guide helps you feel confident to dig in. There’s something so satisfying about creating a little moment of beauty in your backyard—and if it smells like lavender and basil? Even better.

Pin this post for later and check back soon—I’ll be sharing how we styled the rest of the bluestone patio and my favorite garden-inspired entertaining tips.

Affiliate Disclosure:
Fauxtalian Living is reader-supported. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. As always, I only share products I truly love and would use in my own home.