Landscaping Eyesores to Avoid
- Robyn Cates
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 5
A beautifully curated garden bed can lose its impact when mismatched planters or plastic lawn ornaments pull attention away. Often, these elements suffer from poor scale or placement, making them feel like afterthoughts rather than intentional parts of the design.

The Problem: Distracting Planters and Plastic Lawn Decor
Mismatched Planters: When containers clash in style, size, or color, they disrupt the harmony of your landscape beds. A chaotic cluster of pots can draw the eye away from thoughtfully chosen plants and careful bed arrangements.
Plastic Lawn Decor: Faded flamingos, novelty signs, or gnomes often stand out for all the wrong reasons. Their scale is usually out of sync with surrounding plantings, making them feel disconnected from the overall design rather than enhancing it.
Both issues can undermine the story your garden is telling, making it feel fragmented instead of cohesive.

Thoughtful Solutions to Elevate Your Landscape
Communicate Your Gardening Style: Let your landscape designer know if you enjoy some annual gardening or seasonal plant changes. They can design dedicated spaces that gracefully accommodate your personal touches without disrupting the overall aesthetic.
Intentional Space Planning: Rather than squeezing planters in randomly, designers can create specific niches or beds that complement your home’s style and garden palette. This turns containers into a natural part of the composition.
Scaled and Purposeful Placement: A well-placed, correctly sized planter or two can serve as focal points or gentle accents. When scaled in proportion to the surrounding plants and garden structures, planters feel integrated — not like an afterthought.

The Takeaway
Planters and lawn decorations shouldn’t compete with your garden beds — they should collaborate. With careful design and clear communication, these elements can enrich your outdoor space, adding personality while maintaining harmony.

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