Transforming Urban Spaces: The Creative Container Gardening of Austin Eischeid
In the heart of Chicago, amidst skyscrapers and bustling streets, Millennium Park has become a canvas for bold and vibrant plant displays, thanks to the innovative work of designer Austin Eischeid. Since his inaugural project in 2018, which began with just two showcase urns, Eischeid has expanded his vision into a stunning array of 24 large container displays at multiple entrances to the park. These eye-catching installations serve as the first impression for the 20 million visitors who flock to this urban oasis each year.
The Art of Container Design
Eischeid understands that the planters act as ambassadors for the park. “These planters are visitors’ first impression of the park,” he explains. His seasonally rotating designs swap out 30 to 40 plants per container throughout the year, ensuring that each visit offers something new and exciting for onlookers. The impressive displays have become Instagram-worthy backdrops, with visitors often pausing to capture their blooming beauty.
For Eischeid, the pressure of maintaining such a high-profile public space is invigorating. As the 32-year-old owner of Austin Eischeid Garden Design, he meticulously curates plant combinations not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their resilience against Chicago’s unpredictable weather and curious touch from visitors.
Innovative Outdoor Gardening Ideas
Eischeid’s design philosophy challenges conventional container gardening norms. He steers away from traditional seasonal staples like pansies and mums, opting instead for unique choices such as flamboyant tropicals, sculptural succulents, and even ornamental vegetables. His inspiration is multifaceted—ranging from social media to travels to exotic gardens and even casual strolls around downtown, observing the creative designs sprouting at outdoor cafés.
He encourages all urban gardeners to think outside the box. “With container gardening, you can get up close and personal with plants. You can watch them at eye level, interact with them, and enjoy their scents and movement…” This sentiment resonates with apartment dwellers and novice gardeners alike, who may feel limited by space but can thrive with creatively designed containers.
Tips for an Impressive Container Garden
For those inspired to cultivate their own container gardens, Eischeid offers some savvy design tips:
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Add Instant Height with Branches: Initial plantings may be small, so incorporate twigs from yellow-twig dogwoods or pussy willows. Not only do they add height, but they can later support climbing plants.
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Embrace Foliage: Opt for bold leaves over flowers. His combinations, like pairing a tall Australian tree fern with striking ‘Gryphon’ begonias and bloodleaf, are visually impactful.
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Add the Unexpected: Instead of typical fall fare, consider novel plant combinations like feathery pink celosia alongside ornamental kale and dahlias.
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Rearrange Large Focal Plants: For a dynamic look, place large plants like elephant ears to the sides rather than centering them, mixing them with lower growing plants for visual interest.
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Grow Your Own Salad Bowl: Combine edible plants like colorful red mustard and green leaf lettuce, making your container both beautiful and functional.
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Incorporate Deep-Colored Foliage: For contrast, utilize dark plants alongside bright ones, balancing the display and drawing the eye.
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Discover Eischeid’s Favorite Plant: The chartreuse flowering spurge (Euphorbia ‘Rainbow Ascot’) is a top choice due to its stunning spring blooms and long-lasting summer foliage.
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Go Tropical: Create an island vibe by introducing plants like ‘Hawaii’ bromeliad, which can transport you to the tropics even in a bustling city.
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Feed Pollinators: Including native varieties like ‘Monarch’s Promise’ milkweed can support local wildlife while enriching your garden’s biodiversity.
- Experiment with New Plants: Try out unique plant varieties such as ‘Iron Man’ mangave or vibrant kniphofias, and consider transplanting them at season’s end for continued enjoyment indoors or in landscape beds.
Conclusion: A Blossoming Legacy
Austin Eischeid is reshaping the way we view urban gardening, turning traditional container gardening on its head with creativity, resilience, and a dash of whimsy. His innovative designs not only beautify Chicago’s Millennium Park but also inspire city dwellers to incorporate nature into their lives despite space constraints. Whether through a spectacular public display or a cozy balcony garden, Eischeid’s lessons remind us that gardening can be both personal and profound, inviting everyone to cultivate their connection with the natural world.
