Must-Have Plants for Your Next Outdoor Event

Planning an outdoor event? Decoration is one of the biggest elements of any event and getting it right matters. That's why we've collated our top tips when it comes to choosing plants for the outdoor environment. Trust us, we've had years of experience designing our client's outdoor spaces whether that be a terrace, eating areas or lounging spaces so we know what works and what doesn't; both in terms of design and practicality.

So, let's get into it!

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Creating a Lush Entrance with Potted Palms

When it comes to creating a memorable entrance for your outdoor event, potted palms are a must-have. These tall and elegant plants instantly add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space. Place them strategically at the entrance to create a lush and tropical atmosphere that will impress your guests. In our designs, we often put them in large open spaces as it's hard for them to look out of place, and wrong for the space.

Potted palms not only provide visual appeal but also offer practical benefits. Their large leaves provide shade and can help keep the area cool on hot summer days. Additionally, their natural beauty and vibrant green colour make them a great backdrop for photo opportunities. Whether you're hosting a wedding, corporate event, or garden party, potted palms are sure to make a statement.

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Enhancing Ambiance with Hanging String Lights and Ivy

To enhance the ambience of your outdoor event, consider incorporating hanging string lights and ivy. These two elements work together to create a magical and romantic atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Hanging string lights add a soft and warm glow to the space, creating a cosy and inviting ambience. They can be hung from trees, pergolas, or other structures to create a beautiful overhead canopy of light. Combine the string lights with ivy, and you'll have a truly enchanting setting. The ivy can be draped along fences, and walls, or even used as a natural curtain to create a sense of privacy and intimacy. Light plays a big part in the world of biophilic design, being one of the main principles of the term.

Not only do hanging string lights and ivy enhance the overall ambience of your outdoor event, but they also provide practical benefits. The soft lighting helps to illuminate the space, making it safe and comfortable for your guests. The ivy adds a touch of greenery and natural beauty, creating a sense of tranquillity and serenity. We've often put varieties of ivy in our over-desk hanging planters or around concrete pillars to subtly bring a bit of green into the space.

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Adding Colour and Fragrance with Blooming Flowers

One of the easiest ways to add colour and fragrance to your outdoor event is by incorporating blooming flowers. Whether you choose vibrant annuals, delicate perennials, or aromatic herbs, flowers are sure to create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere.

Consider creating floral arrangements and placing them strategically throughout the event space. This could include centrepieces for tables, arrangements along pathways, or even hanging baskets. Choose flowers that complement the theme and colour scheme of your event, and don't forget to consider their fragrance. The scent of flowers can have a powerful effect on the mood and atmosphere of your event.

In addition to their visual and olfactory appeal, blooming flowers also attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. This adds a lively and dynamic element to your outdoor event, creating a sense of nature and biodiversity.

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Providing Shade and Comfort with Large-leafed plants

When hosting an outdoor event, it's important to provide shade and comfort for your guests, especially on hot and sunny days. Potted ferns are an excellent choice for achieving this goal, as they not only provide shade but also add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to the space. Strelitzias often have multiple large leaves that overhang at a height about seating height, which almost act like a pergola, and really is a beautiful species. Another great option would be a Ficus Lyrata (aka a fiddle leaf fig) which has these great violin-shaped leaves that vary in height and again, are a really popular choice by our designers.

Place large plants strategically throughout the event area to create shaded areas where guests can relax and cool off. The lush and green foliage of the plants creates a cool and refreshing atmosphere, making them the perfect addition to outdoor events during the summer months. Plants do a great job at cooling down a space and in some cities, such as Bristol, they've been shown to reduce temperatures by 5 degrees, reducing the need for air conditioning and ultimately, lower energy consumption.

In addition to their practical benefits, some of the plants mentioned have a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body. The sight of the delicate fronds of a fern swaying in the breeze can help create a sense of tranquillity and relaxation for your guests.

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Creating a Relaxing Oasis with Potted Succulents

For a more contemporary and minimalist approach to outdoor event decor, consider incorporating potted succulents. These versatile plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, making them perfect for creating a unique and eye-catching display.

Potted succulents work well as standalone decorations or can be grouped together to create a stunning focal point. Their low-maintenance nature makes them ideal for outdoor events, as they can withstand varying weather conditions with minimal care. They also have the ability to thrive in small containers, making them perfect for tabletop displays.

In addition to their visual appeal, potted succulents also have a calming and soothing effect on the atmosphere. Their unique shapes and textures create a sense of tranquillity and serenity, making them the perfect addition to outdoor events where relaxation is key.

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