The secret is finding the perfect planter - one that reflects the owner's personality and surroundings while maintaining lasting durability.

Planters come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, designs, materials and price points, which makes some planters a better choice than others. In today's market, the unlimited assortment can also create unlimited indecision.

Knowing a few useful tips can simplify the decision-making process and help consumers purchase planters that will bring years of pleasure.

Here are some helpful considerations before purchasing a planter:

• Location (shade, sun, extreme weather)

• Maneuverability

• Size, Shape, Style, Color, Finish, Texture

• Drainage Hole and/or Self-Watering Options

• Durability & Longevity

• Artistic/Decorative Impact

• Reflect Personality of Owner/Home/Surroundings

• Materials (Learn the advantages and disadvantages of planter materials such as clay, terracotta, concrete, metal, wood, resin, fiberglass, etc.)

• Storage Concerns

A great way to get started is to purchase a matching set of various sized planters ranging from three, five or seven in total. Five containers used in a corner of a patio will help define your entertainment space. This grouped planter display can provide privacy and help tie in your overall outdoor living area. Don't be afraid of using bright and vivid containers such as oranges, iridescent blues and reds. These colors can help liven up outdoor spaces.

Combining plants is a fun part of container gardening. Try mixing and matching different plants such as annuals, tropicals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vines and vegetables. Before planting, arrange the new plants in or around your container while they are still in their small pots to see how they fit best. A good rule of thumb is to plant the tallest upright foliage plant in the center.

Next, plant the shorter and more compact flowering plant to the side of the center, near the edge of the planter. Leave enough space between these plants to allow for growth.

Finally, place plants with trailing or semi-trailing growth habits around the planters' outer edges leaving enough space for adequate spreading and trailing.

A word of caution: Also remove new plants from their nursery pots with care. Never remove them by pulling on their tender stems. Gently loosen or untangle the bottom inch of each plant's roots before carefully spreading them out in your planter. This helps give young plants a better start.

Additional potting mix can be added to ensure the soil covers the roots of each plant. When your planting is finished, the soil should be at least an inch below the rim of the container.Gardening with planters is a great way for beginning and experienced gardeners to dig into the botanical world. And best of all, you can take your planter garden with you when you move.