Staging a Container Garden is like interior design.  Using a combination of odd-numbered containers in each design...

Staging a container Garden is like creating interior design.  The use of a combination of odd-numbered containers 1, 3 or 5 of different sizes if working with a flat surface sets the stage for an odd-number of plants in each container.  When you have steps available for staging, the pots can all actually be the same size but use varying heights of plants or flowers.  Tall plants or flowers on the top step, medium height plants or flowers on the next step down and shorter plants or flowers, vining or trailing plants on the third step.  All you need is two steps and a level surface, or multiple steps with ample room for traffic.

Proportion is very important in container gardening.  When using 3 containers of varying sizes on a flat surface be sure to keep the containers in proportion such as varying heights of 24, 16 and 8 inches.  Keep plants and flowers in proportion also by using no less than 3 types of plants or flowers and no more than 5 types when using a large pot.  Small pots use only 1 plant or flower to avoid clutter.
A large pot should have one tall plant or flower, one mounding plant or flower and one cascading plant or flower...too many of the same type of plant gets tiresome.

Plastic pots are perfect when used as part of a design that will hide the container such as cascading flowers.  Use unique, stylish, colorful and pretty pots when they will be part of your design, pots that you want everyone to see.  Your unique pots help to set the stage for the type of decor you are trying to create in your   container garden.