• Use a big planter as a centerpiece on your patio.Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Landscaping turns a ho-hum yard into a showcase. If you are in the process of landscaping your home and are looking to make a bold statement, consider doing so with a huge planter. A single planter can be used as a centerpiece on a deck or patio, while a collection of them can be used to border your property. Take into consideration the look you want to create when selecting plants for a huge planter.
  
  

Soil

• Good soil is the basis for successful planting in any size of planter -- huge ones included. Use a soil that is specially designed for use in pots. These soils are high in organic matter and contain elements, such as perlite, that make the soil retain moisture, yet allow it to drain well. Potting soil is lighter and less dense than soil you would use in your garden, meaning it won't weigh down on itself over time and potentially damage the roots of the plants or hinder drainage. There are various types of potting soil that are intended for use with different plants. For instance, there are specific soils designed for cactus and for planting seeds.
  
  

Plantings

• Consider the depth of the planter. Plants that don't require deep rooting will do well in a huge planter, as long as you provide them with the moisture, sunlight and other essentials that they need to thrive. Larger plants, such as trees and shrubs, that need deep soil to root properly need consideration, as you want to ensure that they have enough room to root properly. Some trees and shrubs that you may consider include hydrangea, dwarf Japanese maple and azalea.
  
  

Layout

• Design a layout for your huge planter. If you're planting a tree or a shrub in your planter, you may wish to plant only that item, placed in the center of the planter. If, however, there is enough room, you can add more interest by surrounding it with smaller annual flowers. You can also use a huge planter to showcase a miniature garden filled with a variety of plants. If this is your intention for a huge planter, create a succession of height. For example, plant the taller items in the center and surround them with medium-sized items, and then place the shortest plants along the edges of the planter. This will create visual interest, as your eye moves from the taller plants in the center of the pot and follows the height downward to the outside edges of the pot.