Container gardens are a wonderful way to create a lush garden in small urban courtyards and on decks, balconies and patios. Annuals, due to their ability to flower all season long, are probably the most common type of plant to use in a container. However, most plants including perennials, herbs, shrubs and even small trees can be used. Planters are not only used for adding color and fragrance to a garden space. They’re also quite practical as they can be used to create privacy, break up a large space into small spaces and provide those with limited space a way to grow herbs for cooking.
Pots and planters can be moved so your garden layout can vary throughout the season. The plants can vary as well. Early season bloomers, such as bulbs can be replaced as they go by with flowers which bloom later. Annuals, when they begin to look a tired, are easily replaced with something new. Asters, sedum ’Autumn Joy’ and chrysanthemums are ideal plants for the container garden in fall and evergreen are a great way to add color through the winter.
Varying the heights of your plants will make for a more interesting garden. Also, consider the shape and texture of a plant’s foliage. Tall strap-like leaves will give a good vertical background to low-growing, wide-leaved plants. Group the pots in odd numbers rather than even, and vary the height and type.
Just about anything that can hold a decent amount of soil can be used as a container. You can also build a container with landscape timbers or stone. Most greenhouses have a wide selection of decorative planters including the popular terracotta variety. When purchasing pots, don’t forget to buy matching saucers to catch the drips. This will prevent cement floors getting stained, or timber deck rotting.
When planting your containers be sure to use a high quality potting mix rich in organic matter. Good potting soil results in healthy, vigorous plants as it will hold moisture and provide your plants which nutrients. Avoid using garden soil since it often has poor texture and may contain insects or weed seeds.
Containers have a wide ranging uses. On a large patio or terrace containers are an ideal way to create smaller outdoor “rooms”. In gardens with limited space, containers planted with annuals and perennials offer the opportunity to have a flower garden. Outside a kitchen, herbs can be grown in window boxes or pots. Tall evergreen shrubs, such as arborvitae (Thuja sp.) can create green walls and provide an outdoor space with privacy. Small trees such as the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) can provide a garden with a bit of needed shade.
With a little planning and creativity, a deck, balcony or patio can be transformed into a lush, colorful container garden with year round appeal.
Related posts:
- An Introduction To Herb Gardens Herb gardens are both beautiful and useful, particularly if you...
- Container gardens require… frequent watering during hot dry spells as planters and containers...
- Rose Gardens Roses are perhaps the most popular of all garden plants....
- Creating A Cutting Garden Creating a cutting garden allows you to bring the color...
- Container gardens can accentuate interesting… architectural details. For example, large planters with tall evergreens are...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
