Holiday pots at home

Instantly liven up an outdoor eating area, patio or balcony with a collection of holiday-inspired containers. Adam Frost shares how to bring a touch of the tropical into your garden

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For me, having plants in containers scattered throughout the garden creates wonderful moments, whether the pots are full-on focal points or just a pause as you move through the garden. They're a simple yet highly effective way to create different atmospheres and seasonal interest - and in some cases they can transport you to other parts of the world via exotic foliage, flowers or scents. Pots are also great for pushing planting boundaries, allowing you to grow some more unusual options.

Over the years I’ve built up a collection of what I call my ‘holiday pots’, for two reasons. Firstly, they’re full of plants inspired by my travels abroad. Secondly, being plants that often come from warmer climates, some need to take their own winter break in the greenhouse, safe from the worst of the British weather. These holiday pots are a great way of adding diversity to my planting mix, plus they give me the chance to keep experimenting with plants, playing with shapes, forms, colours and textures. They create lovely collections and just help me to get the most out of my garden.

I've been fortunate enough to travel to several tropical and subtropical countries, and I always come home with a ‘maybe’ planting list... could I grow this or that in my garden? There’s always something that catches my eye.

Coleus argentatus

Native to Australia

This low-growing shrub has striking foliage with a silvery sheen and soft texture. The leaves are rounded and somewhat fuzzy, creating a beautiful contrast, especially when paired with darker or more vibrant plants. It also produces small purple or pale-blue summer flowers that add a subtle but lovely pop of colour against the leaves.