At a glance, the courtyard in Diane Keaton’s Spanish-inspired home seems a million years apart from my tiny city patio. Naturally, its scale puts my urban retreat to shame, but after some thinking, I’ve realised there is a design lesson that’s replicable from the actress’s space. Better yet, it’ll work on your patio or garden, too.
While many may choose to place their greenery (and pots) on the ground, things are done differently in Dianne’s Spanish revival courtyard. Designed by Hollywood-favorite Stephen Shadley, the plant pots are arranged on top of her table, while the ground remains bare.
If you’re working with a paved backyard or a patio (no matter the size), incorporating greenery on the ground can be challenging, but Diane’s table trick makes it all the more possible to enjoy new plants in your space. You don’t need any room on your ground – only a table that’s ready to be decorated with your favorite flowers.
Shop the look
Uouz Large Modern Plant Pots
Inspired by the planters on Diane’s table, these pots come in a set of three and are perfect for repotting a variety of large plants and flowers. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, they’re ideal for plants like Monstera, Snake Plants, Fiddle Leaf Figs, Palms, Aloe Vera, and herbs.
Keilson Ceramic Pot Planter
With their natural stone coloring, no two of these planters are the same, meaning they’re as unique as the gardens and patios they adorn.
Utopia Home Plant Pots With Drainage
Crafted from reinforced PP plastic, these indoor plant pots are built to last. Each pot includes a convenient drainage plug to help keep your plants healthy and thriving. I love their minimalist design and sleek size, meaning they can be collected on a tabletop like Diane’s.
Diane’s container gardening idea translates to every kind of outdoor space, and it’s almost impossible to get wrong. Still, I welcome advice from Thom Rutter, a master gardener and content editor at Homes & Gardens, who reassures that it’s so easy to follow her example.
‘I always encourage bringing plants off the ground and up to eye level, especially on your patio or dining table, as Diane demonstrates effortlessly. Styling with succulents like purple Aeoniums and Echeverias can truly elevate your outdoor area, whether you’re working with a courtyard or a paved yard where it’s harder to plant. Their sculptural forms and sun-loving nature make them perfect for tabletops, adding instant charm and color,’ Thom comments.
‘One of the joys of using potted succulents is the flexibility: mix and match varieties, shift the arrangements around – no table ever has to look the same twice. And the best part? They’re a beloved low-maintenance backyard idea. Succulents are built to thrive in heat and drought, but do remember to water them every few days during the peak of summer. A little attention goes a long way – they’ll thank you with vibrant, healthy growth.’
I’m going to start with succulents, as per Thom’s advice. However, there is no incorrect way to decorate your table. Will you give it a try? Let me know in the comments below.