My Deck Decorating Ideas With Plants
Elevate your small townhouse’s outdoor living with creative backyard ideas that make the most of your limited space. Explore my inspiring deck decorating solutions that incorporate lush greenery, perfect for cozying up in a compact retreat.
See my tiny yard this summer and my deck decorating ideas with plants!
As we’ve settled into our home, DIY projects have given way to smaller tasks and plant care. While this post isn’t specifically about gardening, it’s hard not to mention my plants’ love for summer humidity. I’m not a fan myself, but my green friends thrive in these conditions. After taking them outside for the first time, I knew I had to make it a regular occurrence.
Looking back, our backyard has undergone significant transformations over the years.
In 2018, we completed various projects, including building a deck, landscaping with rocks, installing raised garden beds, and creating a DIY HVAC unit screen. We even built a paver coffee table – you can see that original post here for more details and before-and-after photos.
In 2019, Better Homes and Gardens featured our little oasis in one of their posts. You can check it out along with images of the yard here.
The following year, we adjusted our approach due to lockdowns and brought many plants outside, filling the deck with plant propagations. The 2020 post is worth a look if you’re interested – find it here.
This year, I pushed the limits of our outdoor space, taking things to new heights.
DIY hanging plant rod
To spark your deck decorating ideas with plants, I drew inspiration from my own experiences. One project that caught my attention was creating a DIY hanging plant rod. This involved mounting a sturdy structure to hold multiple potted plants without drilling new holes each time the plants grow. The end result was impressive – it withstood the summer weather and allowed me to easily adjust and move the plants as needed.
The plants I currently have on this rod include Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’, Ric Rac Cactus, Cebu Blue Pothos, Tradescantia nanouk, Hoya chelsea, Scindapsus pictus exotica, and Hoya curtisii, with more to come. Additionally, my large Monstera deliciosa is enjoying the summer outdoors.
One of my Tradescantia plants thrived in full sun all summer, increasing in size by a factor of three – an incredible transformation!
The plants on the hanging rod, which received bright indirect light throughout the day, also performed well. It was delightful to watch them sway gently in the breeze each evening, with even my feline friends enjoying the view.
For more inspiration on decorating your deck, check out my post on how to hang globe string lights underneath.
Coffee table converted to plant shelving
To maximize your deck’s space and create a thriving plant sanctuary, consider repurposing existing furniture into shelving units. I transformed our DIY coffee table into a shelf to accommodate a variety of plants that prefer shaded conditions. This setup allowed me to utilize the area under the table, which remained partially shaded even on sunny days.
The top surface became home to a diverse array of non-hanging plants, including scindapsus jade satin, philodendron Brandi, silver dollar succulent, fern leaf cactus, and ficus triangularis, among others. This sheltered spot was also relatively protected from excessive rainfall, which proved beneficial for the plants’ growth. As the banana plants matured and grew in the nearby garden bed, they provided additional shade, creating an ideal environment with bright indirect light and high humidity.
This perfect blend fostered a haven for my philodendron Brandi to recover from its winter struggles and thrive in the summer. Meanwhile, the silver dollar succulent experienced rapid growth, responding well to the mostly bright indirect sunlight with some direct sun exposure.
Banana plants—I can’t believe how big they’ve gotten!
As I set out to create a more sustainable garden in recent years, one of my top priorities was introducing low-maintenance plants that would thrive year after year. One such specimen caught my attention: the banana plant. In June 2020, we planted a pup from my parents’ garden, and the results have been nothing short of astonishing. Fast-forward to September 2020 and August 2021, and it’s clear that this plant has earned its place as a true showstopper!
The winter months proved no match for Blanche, our banana plant’s resilience, which re-emerged in late-March 2021 after a simple trim following the first frost. Her subsequent growth was nothing short of phenomenal.
What are your small deck decorating ideas with plants?
As our warmest months come to a close, I’m reflecting on what an absolute haven this place has been for us all summer. With multiple summers under our belt in this home, it’s lovely to be in a spot where we’re primarily focused on tweaking the garden and making minor adjustments to the landscape. As September arrives and fall approaches, I must admit that I’ll miss the vibrant growing season, but there’s still so much to look forward to!
