As graduation season approaches, many are looking forward to celebrating this special milestone in outdoor settings. Whether you’re hosting a graduation party in your garden, backyard, or a rented outdoor venue, decorating with plants and flowers can elevate the atmosphere and create a memorable experience. At Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply, we have curated some inspiring ideas and tips to help you transform your outdoor space into a festive celebration for your graduate.
Create a Welcoming Entrance
Start by setting the tone at the entrance to the party with colorful floral arrangements. Consider placing potted plants like cheerful geraniums, vibrant petunias, or cascading bacopa near the doorways or along the pathways to greet guests as they arrive and mingle. Applewood has a vast selection of annuals in every color!
Adorn with Hanging Baskets
Hang flowering baskets from pergolas, trees, or porch eaves to add vertical interest and bright splashes of color. Our garden center offers a variety of premade hanging basket options filled with seasonal blooms like vines, fuchsia, lobelia, or million bells (Calibrachoa), or make your own!
Design Eye-Catching Centerpieces
For outdoor tables, create stunning centerpieces using a mix of perennials and annuals. Combine flowering perennials such as hostas or daylilies with vibrant annuals like zinnias or cosmos in decorative pots or baskets to create beautiful focal points. When you’re done, plant the perennials for a yearly reminder of the occasion.
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Incorporate Graduation-Themed Planters
Personalize your décor with planters featuring the graduate’s school colors or themed accessories. Use red and white petunias for a patriotic theme or blue lobelia and white alyssum for a classic color combination.
Set up a Floral Photo Backdrop
Another popular idea is to designate a photo area with a backdrop of climbing vines or blooming shrubs like hydrangeas or climbing roses. Add a few potted plants or hanging baskets around the backdrop to create a picturesque spot for capturing special moments.
Illuminate with Garden Lights
Enhance the ambiance by incorporating garden lights or string lights around trees, shrubs, or along fences. LED solar-powered lanterns or string lights can provide soft, warm lighting as the celebration extends into the evening.
Use Potted Herbs as Dual-Purpose Décor
Incorporate potted herbs like rosemary, lavender, or mint as decorative elements that can also be used in party refreshments. Display them on tables or along walkways to add fragrance and culinary appeal.
Consider Seasonal Blooms
Choose plants and flowers that are in season during your graduation party. Early summer favorites such as peonies, dahlias, and sunflowers make stunning additions to outdoor decorations.
Create a Cozy Seating Area
Arrange seating areas with comfortable chairs surrounded by containers of flowering plants. Use large pots with statement plants like ornamental grasses or tall cannas to define the space and add privacy.
Provide Take-Home Plant Favors
Send guests home with small potted plants or packets of flower seeds as thoughtful party favors. Choose easy-to-care-for plants like succulents, gerbera daisies, or mini roses that guests can enjoy long after the celebration.
At Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply, we offer a wide selection of perennials and annuals perfect for creating stunning outdoor decorations for your graduation party. Visit us to explore our plant varieties and get expert advice on selecting the best plants and flowers to make your outdoor celebration truly special. Congratulations to all the graduates!
Visit Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply, Your One-Stop Landscape Shop!