Course description

Do you dream of creating Pinterest-worthy container gardens? Are you frustrated that no matter what you try your pots either fizzle out mid-season or just look like a jumble of odd plants rather than a cohesive, dramatic medley? You're not alone. I've received dozens of emails from homeowners just like you: frustrated, disappointed, and at a loss for what is going wrong.

It's time for a change & I can help.

As a professional container designer I have created hundreds of dramatic combinations for countless satisfied clients, taught container design to nursery professionals as well as keen home gardeners, and had my designs published in some of the top magazines and books in the United States. Failure is not an option. Every planter has to look fabulous - every time, and I've learned the tricks to ensure success. Tricks I'd love to share with you.

Hallmarks of a well designed container

  • Rich layers of foliage and flowers that completely fill out the container, yet don't look overgrown
  • A cohesive color palette - not a confusing mish-mash
  • Exciting plant combinations - with a few surprises
  • Longevity - no more petering out mid-summer
  • Gloriously lush and truly abundant, even when newly planted
  • Well balanced in form and scale


Is that how your containers look? 

If not, don't worry.

In this AWARD-WINNING online workshop you'll learn to:

  • Plan

    The best soils and fertilizers to use for each season, how to map out a design, and how to stay on track when you go shopping!

  • Shop

    How to choose plants that look good together (no more guesswork) and how many you need for each container to create a lush, yet not overgrown look.

  • Design

    How to combine plants that span the seasons, have different watering needs, and how to avoid the "jelly bean" look!

  • Be Confident!

    Using my unique design strategy you will quickly gain confidence as you either copy my designs or use them as a springboard for your own creations.

Silver Medal of Achievement

Honored by 2019 GardenComm Media Awards with the

What's included?

  • Lifetime access to two narrated slideshows that teach you how how to shop, design, and plant as well as providing you with over twenty of my professional designs that you can re-create

  • Lifetime access to a demonstration video where you can watch me planting a container, and putting into practice all that you have learned so far

  • Downloadable notes with plant lists and details of the products I recommend

  • Downloadable worksheets to take to the nursery

  • Detailed, downloadable full color recipes for three of my most popular designs which have all been featured in major magazines.

  • A FAQ handout to answer many of your other container challenges, including tips on selecting containers and how to group them effectively.

  • Meet Karen Chapman

    Instructor Bio:

    Specializing in creating artistic landscape and container plant combinations with a four season foliage framework, functional outdoor living spaces and deer resistant designs, I'm delighted to now be able to offer a number of online learning opportunities. With a lifetime’s gardening experience in England and the U.S.A., training as a Certified Professional Horticulturalist, and over 15 years as an award-winning designer, author, and presenter, I'd love to share my knowledge and love of gardening with you.

    Karen Chapman

    Instructor

    Karen Chapman

Featured in:

Karen's articles and designs have been

  • Garden Design
  • Country Gardens
  • Country Gardens
  • Sunset
  • Better Hones & Gardens

What are you waiting for?

Make THIS the year you create show-stopping containers you'll be proud of.
Sign me up!

Course curriculum

  • 01
    Before You Start
    Show Content
    • How this online workshop works:
    • Welcome! 0:54
  • 02
    Designing Abundant Containers
    Show Content
    • Designing Abundant Containers - Part 1 (Preparation) 12:14
    • Designing Abundant Containers - Part 2 (The Squish Factor) 24:21
    • Designing Abundant Containers - Notes
    • Three Fiesta Container Recipes
  • 03
    The Squish Factor in Action!
    Show Content
    • Using a Template 1:23
    • The Squish Factor in Action! 27:32
    • Planting Demo handout
  • 04
    Additional Resources
    Show Content
    • Designing Abundant Containers - FAQ
    • Sample worksheet
    • Worksheet
    • Digging Deeper
    • Keep in Touch
  • 05
    How may I help you further?
    Show Content
    • Please take a moment to answer 5 short questions

Here's what others are saying:

  • Sue Montgomery

    “Wonderful combination of video and written information! Karens warm personality is a pleasure to listen and learn from. So practical and key points are ones you can easily remember and pass on to others.”

    “Wonderful combination of video and written information! Karens warm personality is a pleasure to listen and learn from. So practical and key points are ones you can easily remember and pass on to others.”

    →Read Less

  • sherrie snyder

    “I absolutely LOVED this course!!!!!! First of all - Karen's delightful voice, smile countenance and expertise are more relaxing and inspiring than the best cup of tea and shortbread! (that says a lot because I love shortbread! :-) Next - the cour...”

    →Read More

    “I absolutely LOVED this course!!!!!! First of all - Karen's delightful voice, smile countenance and expertise are more relaxing and inspiring than the best cup of tea and shortbread! (that says a lot because I love shortbread! :-) Next - the course content brought expert advice that I could watch over and over and over bringing me to a relaxing place of designing the most beautiful and long lasting containers I have ever had! Trips to the nursery were no longer stressed filled but truly inspiring. Containers in August were no longer worn and tired but - thriving!!!! The best garden investment!”

    →Read Less

  • Kim Van Atta

    “This course provided exactly the specific details I needed to take my seasonal container designs from 'meh' to stunning. The information about soil amendment and the concrete design ideas of spotlight, highlight and limelight increased my confiden...”

    →Read More

    “This course provided exactly the specific details I needed to take my seasonal container designs from 'meh' to stunning. The information about soil amendment and the concrete design ideas of spotlight, highlight and limelight increased my confidence when selecting plants at the nursery and planting at home. Karen is a warm and engaging facilitator who provides appropriate instruction for all skill levels.”

    →Read Less

  • barbara benedek

    “I loved this class. learned a great deal in a short time. My favorite way to learn. The pot you created was gorgeous and the presentation was excellent . I've been planting containers for 30 years and I finally learned how to do it. Thank you”

    “I loved this class. learned a great deal in a short time. My favorite way to learn. The pot you created was gorgeous and the presentation was excellent . I've been planting containers for 30 years and I finally learned how to do it. Thank you”

    →Read Less

  • Michelli Booker

    “I'd been designing containers in very similar fashion to your style, Karen. It was a good affirmation for my own work and I thank you for that. I often find that what my clients really need is for someone to tell them that what they want to do i...”

    →Read More

    “I'd been designing containers in very similar fashion to your style, Karen. It was a good affirmation for my own work and I thank you for that. I often find that what my clients really need is for someone to tell them that what they want to do is really alright to do. We're all on the same planet. I had a client who had more container gardening on board than I had first realized. I had to laugh to myself when she said that she wanted full, lush containers like she had seen in an event of yours previously. It was nice to produce just that - lush, full containers that brought the stylish elegance she wanted to her main entry points. Thanks for helping to solidify the methodology. She just kept saying over and over as we moved from container to container, "I never would have thought you could put so many plants into a container." She enjoyed the 'squish' factor. ”

    →Read Less

  • Shirley Thomas

    “Valuable information for a self starter. ”

    “Valuable information for a self starter. ”

    →Read Less

Pricing

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FAQ

  • Do I have to set aside time on a specific day to watch this?

    No, unlike live webinars, this online workshop will fit YOUR schedule. You can watch the modules whenever you want, as often as you want, on any device.

  • Will the plants work for my area?

    I have primarily focused on summer container designs, using a wide assortment of trees, shrubs, perennials, edibles, indoor plants, groundcovers, and annuals. The beauty of my unique design strategy is that you will learn HOW to design and be able to substitute plants with confidence should you need to.

  • Can I purchase this course as a gift for a friend?

    Yes you can! See Related Courses below.

  • What is your refund policy?

    If you are not completely satisfied with the quality and content of this course, you may request a full refund within 7 days of registration.

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