When it comes to container gardens, your first thought is typically about what you'll be planting. The vessel to contain your plants is often an afterthought. But with a little attention to the type of container you use, you can ensure that your creation is suitable for your surroundings.

When choosing the best container for your situation, consider the overall style of your environment. Is it traditional? Modern? Mediterranean? Knowing this will help guide you through the wide variety of container styles and materials. The following gallery should provide inspiration for a variety of surroundings. AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. Terra-cotta

Terra-cotta pots are classic and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Terra-cotta's subtle color works well with all flower and foliage hues and looks natural in a garden setting. Something to consider when the seasons change: If you live in an area where temperatures go below freezing, you’ll want to empty or bring terra-cotta pots inside to avoid cracking. These terra-cotta wall planters give an old-world vibe that's perfect for an Italian-inspired landscape. Because unglazed terra-cotta dries out more quickly than other materials, be sure to choose plants that prefer their soil on the dry side. Kim Gamel Cast Iron or Wrought Iron

These containers first became popular in the Victorian era. They are most often seen in the classic urn style, such as here, which fits well in a formal setting. While all iron containers are very heavy, the fact that they're durable year-round means you will rarely need to move them. Bright Green Ceramic

Glazed ceramic pots come in a wide range of colors, complementing their surroundings or providing color when needed. You’ll need to be gentle with them, however, as they can easily crack; they need to be brought indoors in winter. Plow & Hearth Lexington Tall Self-Watering Planter - $99.95 Plastic

Plastic pots have come a long way in recent years and can take on the look of terra-cotta or wood, like in this photo. Often you don't realize a container is plastic until you touch it. It's flexible enough to expand and retract through freezes and thaws, making it appropriate for year-round use. Kim Gamel Fiberglass

More expensive than plastic, fiberglass is a highly versatile man-made material that can be molded into practically any shape or form. Here, it takes on the appearance of glazed ceramic. But unlike its more delicate twin, fiberglass is very durable and can be left outside year-round. Williams-Sonoma Herb Window Box - $59.95 Here, a fiberglass container has the appearance of stone. But because fiberglass is very lightweight, it's much easier to move around. Diego Bortolato Architetto Wood

Wood containers have a more informal feel and are suited for rustic or casual settings. When treated to withstand the elements, wood containers can last for years. Avant Garden Metal

Metal containers are modern looking and can give an industrial edge. The sleek metal cubes in this photo create definition in the outdoor space. NATALIE SERDIUK Galvanized steel containers are imaginative and edgy, lending a sculptural quality to arrangements. This lightweight material wears well, making it a clever choice for a container garden. Concrete

Depending on the finish, concrete can look contemporary or country. In this photo, the clean lines and sparse plantings evoke a minimalist feel. Susan Cohan, APLD But in this photo, the concrete is left rough and rustic, giving a casual and well-worn appearance. As this material is practically indestructible, you'll have concrete containers around for years and years. debora carl landscape design Stone

Stone is another hard-wearing material for containers. And it too can be finished in a variety of ways. Here it looks sleek and graceful as an outdoor centerpiece. These stone planters look perfectly suited to a traditional setting.

Whether you want your container garden to make a statement or blend seamlessly with its environment, choosing the right material and style will make it your own.


See more garden containers and planters

Tell us: What's your favorite type of garden container?