Outdoor spaces can provide the perfect canvas for you to experiment with colour and design. If you have an empty deck, you may be wondering how best to decorate your space for leisure or entertaining. While you may be tempted to buy an assortment of plants to fill the area, be sure to think about seating and eating spaces first, then build your plan around them. Suddenly, choosing the right plants will become an easier task.

To help you think about greenery and flowers you may want to use, we’ve put together a list of deck decorating ideas with plants:

Idea #1: Add Colour

Adding color to your deck is one of the best deck decorating ideas with plants. Naturally, plants add a welcome splash of colour to an empty deck. With plenty of green as a background, you can add a wide range of tones through leaves and flowers. But let’s face it, not all colours go together and you likely have your own preferences. As you think about plant ideas for your deck, consider building your decks with a colour theme in mind.

Idea #2: Create Smaller Spaces

If you have a large deck space to decorate, think about ways you might use plants to create a number of smaller spaces. Seating areas make an excellent focal point, for example, naturally creating smaller spaces. Consider surrounding a cluster of chairs with a variety of potted plants help create distinct spaces.

Idea #3: Design for Privacy

Plants also work as an ideal privacy barrier on your deck. Whether you would like to section off portions of your space, create privacy from the windows of your home or separate your deck from neighbours, taller plants and shrubs can be used as both a visual and sound barrier. Think about using a row of potted cedar shrubs or tall grasses.

Idea #4: Create Variety in Height

Variation in height is a common design strategy for the creation of inviting spaces. If you have an area of your deck that would work for a cluster of plants, be sure to think about height variety. Taller grasses or shrubs or even dwarf trees work well as a backdrop for shorter bushes and plants. The beauty of this simple design hack is that it can create the illusion of a bigger space, while making an area feel inviting or cozy.

Idea #5: Bring the Butterflies

Even if you have a tiny deck or small patio, think about creating an inviting place for butterflies. Plants that attract butterflies can be simple, eye-catching and easily coupled with other plants. Consider combining containers of red flowers with white zinnia or sage to bring butterflies to your space.

Alternatively, try the subtle purple of lavender plants or the bright yellow splash of a Teddy Bear sunflower. No matter what your colour preference, you are sure to find butterfly plants you love—simply ask your local garden centre about which plants grow well locally.

Idea #6: Use Potted Plants Creatively

As you think about new plants for your deck, don’t forget about containers, too. Go for the colours you love—whether blues, greens, yellows or reds. Just be sure your plant leaves and flowers will go with them. While you’re planning, be sure to consider whether your plants are annuals or perennials, whether they need full sun or partial shade. These variables will determine where your plants will thrive and how they can best be used for an overall look you love.

Idea #7: Go Tall

If you are working with a tight deck space, with room above—perhaps a rooftop garden or outdoor patio—consider neutral containers for a set of taller plants and trees. Trees and shrubs that can be grown in containers are a great choice for these limited spaces. When you’re at the garden centre, describe the amount of daylight you’ll have and be sure to ask about tree and shrub varieties that will thrive when planted in containers.

Idea #8: Match Your Maintenance Style

Like any other plant, your deck plants will need varying amounts of care and maintenance. Are you someone who fusses over plants, taking time to water carefully and remove any dead leaves or material? Do you forget to water plants frequently or consider their care a tedious task? Be sure to choose your plants carefully, based on your maintenance style and the amount of care you have time to give.

If you have an outdoor space that looks more like a blank canvas than a back deck, you might first think about fitting it out with chairs, tables and other furniture. Once you have these basics in place, you’ll want to find a few finishing touches, including plants and greenery you love. We hope this list of deck decorating ideas with plants gives you a few things to think about as you work to make the most of your outdoor space.