Outdoor Entertaining 101

The Secret Garden

A container garden breathes fragrant life into even the smallest outdoor room, creating an oasis in the heart of the city.

For a display that guests will "ooh" and "ah" over, give your garden strong structure with a few junipers and barberry shrubs, or even vine-covered latticework. Next, concentrate on layering color for maximum visual impact. Spider flowers add height, while showy black-eyed Susan blooms brighten up a garden in August. Coneflowers are an eye-catching and hardy choice; yuccas lend a tropical feel.