Planting Plan: Use Containers to Create a Lush Garden Oasis in a Small Space

Container garden designer Derrik Gagliardi’s garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a bit of a hidden gem. Walking past the property, you wouldn’t even notice the secluded side yard shielded from busy traffic by thick vines. But once you enter, you are spirited away into a semi-tropical paradise packed to the brim with vivid, contrasting flora. From a rare cactus with leaves instead of spines (‘Godseffiana’ Barbados gooseberry) to old garden stalwarts (‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass) to native plants from across the country (American agave), this garden has it all and makes a memorable impression despite its small footprint. Here are just some of the many plants growing in Derrik’s garden.

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1. Honey bush (Melianthus major, Zones 8–10)
2. Golden Japanese stonecrop (Sedum makinoi ‘Ogon’, Zones 6–9)
3. ‘Fraser’s Gold’ heather (Calluna vulgaris* ‘Fraser’s Gold’, Zones 4–6)
4. ‘Showtime’ Copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana ‘Showtime’, Zones 10b–11)
5. Tiger Eyes® Sumac (Rhus typhina ‘Bailtiger’, Zones 4–8)
6. ‘Crispa’ cutleaf stephanandra (Stephanandra incisa ‘Crispa’, Zones 4–7)
7. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’, Zones 5–10)
8. ‘Monkey Puzzle’ coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Monkey Puzzle’, Zones 10–11)
9. ‘Green Mountain’ boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Mountain’, Zones 4–9)
10. ‘Filigree Lace’ European white birch (Betula pendula ‘Filigree Lace’, Zones 2–7)
11. Weeping European larch (Larix decidua ‘Pendula’, Zones 3–6)
12. Fine Line® buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula ‘Ron Williams’, Zones 2–7)
13. ‘Brevifolia’ Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora ‘Brevifolia’, Zones 5–9)
14. ‘Autumn Moon’ full moon maple (Acer shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’, Zones 5–7)
15. Heartleaf bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia, Zones 3–8)
16. ‘Godseffiana’ Barbados gooseberry (Pereskia aculeata ‘Godseffiana’, Zones 10–11)
17. ‘Sunset Boulevard’ coleus (ectranthus scutellarioides ‘Sunset Boulevard’, Zones 10–11)
18. ‘Acutus’ wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei* ‘Acutus’, Zones 5–9)

1. ‘Monkey Puzzle’ coleus
2. ‘Peve Maribo’ variegated ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba ‘Peve Maribo’, Zones 3–9)
3. Variegated lilyturf (Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’, Zones 5–10)
4. ‘Godseffiana’ Barbados gooseberry
5. ‘Tiny Dancer’ elephant’s ear (Alocasia ‘Tiny Dancer’, Zones 9–11)
6. ‘Caramel’ heuchera (Heuchera ‘Caramel’, Zones 4–9)
7. ‘Black Scallop’ ajuga* (Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’, Zones 3–10)
8. Heartleaf bergenia
9. American agave (Agave americana, Zones 8–11)
10. ‘Sunset Boulevard’ coleus
11. ‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, Zones 5–9)
12. Grisebach’s sedum (Sedum grisebachii, Zones 5–9)
13. Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla, Zones 4–8)
14. ‘Main Street Beale Street’ coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides ‘Main Street Beale Street’, Zones 10–11)
15. ‘Strawberry Firetails’ chenille (Acalypha pendula ‘Strawberry Firetails’, Zones 9–11)
16. Helena’s Blush™ euphorbia (Euphorbia x martini ‘Inneuphhel’, Zones 5-7)
17. Chocolate vine (Akebia quinata, Zones 4–9)
18. ‘Calidora’ elephant’s ear (Alocasia ‘Calidora’, Zones 9–11)
19. ‘Godseffiana’ Barbados gooseberry
20. Honey bush

1. ‘Firesticks’ pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Firesticks’, Zones 10–11)
2. Canna cv. (Canna, Zones 7–11)
3. ‘Red Rooster’ leatherleaf sedge (Carex buchananii ‘Red Rooster’, Zones 6–9)
4. Gray stonecrop (Rhodiola pachyclados, Zones 5–9)
5. ‘Blue Elf’ aloe (Aloe ‘Blue Elf’, Zones 9–11)
6. ‘Golden Transparent’ creeping thyme (Thymus ‘Golden Transparent’, Zones 5–9)
7. Pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata dinteri, Zones 9–11)
8. Black rose aeonium (Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’, Zones 9–11)
9. ‘Lemon Ball’ sedum (Sedum mexicanum ‘Lemon Ball’, Zones 7–11)

*Please note: These plants are considered invasive in certain areas. Please reference your state or province invasive plant list for more information.

See More Planting Plans:

Planting Plan for Mixed Sun and Shade Garden Beds

Planting Plan for a a Dog-Friendly Garden that is Full and Lush

Planting Plan to Optimize a Small Garden Space

Diana Koehm is the content editor.

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