The Art of the Statement Planter

Turn a pot into a garden and make a small space make a big impression.
You don't need a huge backyard to create a beautiful garden.
A thoughtfully chosen planter can transform a balcony, entrance, courtyard or compact outdoor space into something with real personality. The secret is knowing how to combine the right plants, pots, textures and colours to create an arrangement that looks considered, abundant and beautiful throughout the seasons.
Join Martin Steel-Brown, founder of City Botanics, for a practical and inspiring workshop exploring the art and design principles behind creating standout container gardens.
Martin will share his experience designing beautiful outdoor spaces across Auckland, showing you how to select the right pots, pair plants for maximum impact and create displays that thrive.
Meet Martin Steel-Brown 🌿
Martin founded City Botanics with a simple belief: you don't need a massive backyard to have a beautiful garden.
As our neighbourhoods become more compact and apartment living becomes increasingly popular, the way we garden is evolving too. Martin specialises in transforming balconies, courtyards and compact outdoor spaces into lush retreats tailored to the individual.
His approach combines smart design with functional beauty, proving that a small footprint isn't a limitation—it's an opportunity to create something highly personal.
What You'll Explore
• How to choose the right planter size, style and materials for your space
• Which plants work beautifully together—and how to combine them with confidence
• How to create layers of colour, texture and form for maximum visual impact
• Practical techniques for creating container gardens that thrive throughout the seasons
• How to transform even a small outdoor area into a beautiful, inviting retreat
• Ideas and inspiration you can take home and put into practice straight away
Whether you're working with an apartment balcony, courtyard, entrance or compact garden, you'll leave with practical ideas and expert advice to help you create a more beautiful outdoor space.
And because this is Love Heart, there's plenty of opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and discover what other curious gardeners are creating in their own spaces.
📍 Location: Eden Garden, Epsom, Auckland
📅 Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
☕ Includes: Tea, coffee and entry into Eden Garden
🎟️ Tickets: $55 per person
👥 Hosted by Love Heart
Come and discover how a few carefully chosen plants, the right container and a little creative thinking can transform the spaces around you.