Finding the Sweet Spot

Why Orientation Matters 

Not all gardens or balconies are created equal. Some bask in all-day sunshine, while others stay cool and shaded. Here’s a quick guide for Australian homes and offices: 

• North-facing: full sun throughout the day. 

• South-facing: cooler, shaded most of the time. 

• East-facing: soft morning sun. 

• West-facing: harsh afternoon sun. 

Once you know your orientation, you can match the right greenery with the right garden pots — whether you’re styling outdoor planters for a courtyard, lightweight pots for a rooftop, or indoor planters for shaded offices. 

Plants for Sunny Spots 

Heat-loving plants thrive in large garden pots and lightweight planters, especially in sun-drenched outdoor areas. 

• Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage are perfect in table planters or succulent pots — handy near the kitchen or barbecue. 

• Cacti and evergreens suit sculptural round pots or a tapered planter, making them low-maintenance centerpieces. 

• Bougainvillea or dwarf citrus trees love large pots or rectangular planters, where they can climb or spread. 

Styling tip: Place a statement pot, such as the 87 Degrees pot, in a sunny corner, paired with a sculptural Opuntia or an architectural Japanese yew. Choose colours like Salt or Clay to reflect heat and keep the arrangement fresh.

Plants for Shady Corners 

Shade doesn’t mean dull. With the right greenery in outdoor plant pots or large indoor pots, you can bring life to those cooler, darker areas. 

• Ferns thrive in moist environments and look striking in tall planters or textured, tall pots. 

• Philodendrons and monsteras thrive in large indoor plant pots, bringing bold shapes to indoor planter displays. 

• Peace lilies and calatheas are well-suited for mid-sized plant pots or hanging pots, ideal for patios and verandahs. 

Styling tip: Light tones like Salt add depth and contrast in shaded spaces, especially when paired with the lush green of a Blechnum silver lady. 

Balancing Design and Conditions 

Once you’ve matched your plants to the light, it’s time to think about arrangement: 

• Cluster pots of varying heights to create rhythm and flow. Mix tall, ribbed planters with round pots or rectangular planters. 

• Use lightweight fiberglass pots for balconies or rooftops, so you can move them easily as the sun shifts. 

• Bring greenery indoors with large indoor pots. Plants like ZZ plants and fiddle leaf figs handle filtered light beautifully. 

Creating a thriving summer garden is all about balance — knowing your space, choosing the right plants, and pairing them with pots and planters that complement both. Whether you’re after large garden pots for a bold outdoor statement, indoor plant pots for shady corners, or lightweight planters perfect for Sydney rooftops, Hibernate’s ranges make it easy to find the right fit. 

Photography by Nicholas Watt