Create a backyard oasis

TO SAY “WELCOME”:

A SKYLINE LOOK “The containers of African lilies, petunias and grasses here create a living ‘welcome mat,’ inviting you and your guests to sit down and relax,” says Myers, host of the How to Grow Anything DVD series. She suggests arranging blue pots of plants in varying heights to provide visual interest from ground level to eye level. Place pots in full to part sun, and water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry.

TO PRETTY UP A PATIO:

POTTED GRASS Containers of tall grasses are perfect for bringing motion to your space— they blow with late-summer breezes for a calming, cool effect, says Myers. For a lightweight display that’s easy to move around, fill a plastic bag with packing peanuts and set in a large pot to take up space, then add well- draining soil and lyme grass on top. Display in full sun to part shade and keep the soil moist.

It’s surprisingly easy to add beautiful, breezy bliss to any corner of your yard. The secret, according to gardening expert Melinda Myers, author of Small Space Gardening, is combining ornamental grasses and flowers in cool hues. Here, simple strategies guaranteed to bring vacation aah to your outdoor space

TO CREATE SECLUSION:

A BLOOMING “WALL” “Strategically placed containers of plants creates a sense of privacy without the boxed-in feeling of a fence,” says Myers. “And accessorizing them with glowing lanterns extends your enjoyment into the evening.” To get the look shown, simply plant geranium and maiden grass in three pots and stake three solar-powered lanterns (like Pure Garden Solar Lanterns Blue, $12 for 4, Homedepot.com) in one pot. Place pots in full sun; water when the top inch of soil starts to dry out.