Planting large pots does not require a professional in order for it to look like a professional did it. Here are some quick tips for creating a planter arrangement that will make your outdoor space look amazing.
1. Height. Choose a center piece. Gain some height with a taller center and work out from the there. Choosing shorter plants for around the perimeter. Plants at the edges that will grow over the side of the planter and create more height to the overall look.
2. Buy established plants. Healthy baskets work best. Inspect your plants well when you purchase. Well watered and established plants make the transplanting experience for your delicate flowers easier.
3. Baskets with multiple plants rather than a basket with one large plant. Healthy Petunias baskets with 4 or 5 established plants for perimeter work amazing.
4. Place your center piece first. Get your height established in the center with slightly more elevation. I like to have more height in the center and slope out to the sides so when you water there is less tendency for water to pool in the middle.
5. Now that you have your center piece placed, remove a basket from its container and place in your hand on its side. Find a good location to begin "unrolling" the basket. Using your other hand begin partially separating the basket so the plants effectively unroll onto your arm you are holding the basket with. Essentially allowing you to plant the basket by wrapping around the center piece. This process is the quickest and easies way Ive found to plant a lot of plants tightly with the least amount of transplant fatigue.
6. Repeat that process until your planter is full around your center piece. Don't be afraid to create. Whatever you choose will look amazing. Gardening is forgiving and plants adapt to where you put them. As long as you don't put a full shade plant in full sun you'll be fine.
7. Water generously. When you've finished your creation be sure to water. This helps remove air pockets and any exposed roots as well as give those freshly transplanted flowers a good start. Give your new creation some special attention for a few days as they recover.