It can be tricky to style a garden table. You want decor items that add a touch of comfort or style but items that can be left on it and not be destroyed by Mother Nature. That is why we think a floral centrepiece is the best option. It is the perfect go-to statement piece to add to the overall look and functionality of your patio. They fit perfectly, are easy to do, easy to care for, and can just be left to thrive outside.
A low-maintenance potted plant will bring a splash of colour, making the table and the surrounding patio more attractive and inviting. The right pot and plant can also serve as the perfect focal point, drawing the eye to your table and providing a central point of interest. They help to make the table setting feel more cohesive and inviting and bring a sense of harmony between the patio dining area and the rest of your outside space.
Choosing the right plant or plants for garden tables is key, and for the team here at Lazy Susan we like to see lots of freshness, colour and fragrance to enhance the sensory experience for you and those joining you. The choice of flowers and the design of the centrepiece can set the mood for your garden gatherings too. Bright and colourful arrangements will create a cheerful lively atmosphere, while more subdued and elegant arrangements will set a tone of laid-back sophistication.
Most importantly though, the right potted floral centrepiece gives you the perfect opportunity to express your style and creativity. You can choose plants that reflect your taste, the season, or the theme of an event you’re hosting. Flowers often carry symbolic meanings and can convey messages of hospitality, celebration, or personal sentiment. They create the perfect talking point, adding beauty, and harmony, and bringing that all-important touch of nature we need to the more functional parts of our outside spaces. A blurring of the lines if you will...
Our Top 5 potted plant types for your outdoor space
Selecting the right plants for a garden table centrepiece is the starting point. Of course, you need the right pot, but start with the plants and then find something that is perfect for them to live in. You want to pick relatively low-maintenance (if you’re busy like us) and visually appealing varieties that are appropriately sized for the size of the garden table you have. So, here are our top 5 five plant types to pot for a garden table centrepiece and, we’ve highlighted some of our favourite varieties for UK gardens too:
1. Succulents
We love succulents and they are the perfect size to still do something eye-catching if you have one of our smaller bistro-style tables. They are super low-maintenance, come in a variety of shapes and colours, and they’ll thrive in small containers or pots. Perfect for bringing a modern and chic look to your garden table, and when it comes to care they need very little, just a minimal watering and pop them in bright but indirect sunlight and they’ll thrive.
Lazy Susan’s fave varieties for the garden table: Echeveria, Haworthia and Sedum
2. Herbs
If you like to dine and cook outside, then what could be better than growing your favourite herbs on your patio table? Not only do they look beautiful but they’ll also offer a functional use for cooking and garnishing. They bring a real fresh, aromatic scent to the garden table, and all they’ll need is regular watering and plenty of sunlight
Lazy Susan’s fave varieties for the garden table: Rosemary, Thyme, Basil and Mint.
3. Miniature Roses
Many think that roses are high maintenance but miniature roses provide classic beauty and a pop of colour with minimal fuss for a perfect centrepiece. They're ideal for bringing a touch of elegance to your table setting, and all they need is moderate watering, bright light, and deadheading spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Lazy Susan’s fave varieties for the garden table: Baby Love, Rainbow's End and Cupcake.
4. Orchids
Orchids will add a touch of exotic sophistication to your outdoor table. Their blooms are long-lasting, they come in a vast variety of types and colours, and they generally prefer indirect sunlight and infrequent watering. You also need to ensure good air circulation around the plant so we would recommend you plant in an orchid-style mesh pot.
Lazy Susan’s fave varieties for the garden table: Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) and Dendrobium
5. Flowering Bulbs
Flowering bulbs can provide seasonal colour and fragrance. They are excellent for creating a vibrant and lively centrepiece. And while they will potentially need swapping around, regular watering and lots of sunlight, they are the perfect way to keep things interesting and in tune with the seasons.
Lazy Susan’s fave varieties for the garden table: Dwarf Daffodils, Hyacinths and Crocus
How to plant and maintain a centrepiece for a garden table
When choosing plants for your garden table centrepiece, think about your outdoor space's overall style and colour scheme. Do a little research and don’t be afraid to try new/different things.
You can also look to mix and match different plants to create something that complements your style and your garden. Choose the right plants for the location, a suitable container, and soil, and to keep things low maintenance, a simple care routine.
Opt for plants that are known for their low-maintenance qualities and are well-suited for container growth.
Choose a container that is appropriately sized for the plants you have selected. It should have enough space for root growth but not be too large for the table. Containers made of ceramic, terracotta, or plastic are good choices. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent water-logging.
When it comes to the soil, for succulents use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. For herbs and miniature roses, you need high-quality potting soil with good drainage (mix in some perlite or sand). For Orchids, a special orchid mix that provides good aeration and drainage.
Our step-by-step planting and care process for outdoor table centrepieces
To pot your garden table centrepiece simply follow these steps:
-
Prepare
Ensure there is good drainage and place a layer of small stones at the bottom. -
Soil
Add the appropriate soil mix and leave space for the plants. -
Position
Arrange your plants in the container and make sure they are spaced appropriately. -
Plant
Gently remove the plants from their nursery pots, loosen the roots, and place them in the new container. -
Fill
Add more soil around the roots and press down gently to eliminate air pockets. -
Water
Water the plants lightly to help them settle in but be careful not to overwater, especially with succulents and orchids.
Our basic care routine for a potted garden table centrepiece is as follows:
-
Watering
Water according to the needs of the plants. Succulents need infrequent watering, herbs and miniature roses need regular watering, and orchids typically need weekly watering. -
Sunlight
Place the pot where it will receive the appropriate amount of light. Succulents and herbs need bright, indirect sunlight, while orchids prefer indirect light. -
Fertilise
Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser sparingly, according to the plant’s needs. Succulents and orchids usually require less than roses, herbs and bulbs. -
Prune
Remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent blooms to encourage new growth and keep your garden table centrepiece tidy. -
Pests
Regularly inspect your plants for pests like aphids and treat any infestations promptly with the appropriate solution. -
Adjust
During the summer you might need to water more frequently. In winter you should reduce watering.
Following these planting and care steps, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance potted plant arrangement that will serve as an attractive and easy-to-care-for centrepiece on your garden table.
If you have photos of a floral centrepiece on your Lazy Susan Garden Table, we would love to see a few snaps for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.