Pots and Containers: So versatile and stunning in all seasons
Seasonal Thoughts from Planting Gems
We have clients who rely exclusively on pots and containers in their outdoor space, and this can be done very effectively. A balcony, terrace, patio… can all be ‘furnished’ with planting in containers that can provide a long-term, attractive scheme, that can simply be enhanced twice a year, with bedding/seasonal planting for year-round colour.
The first rule is that the larger the pot the better. Not only does it look better but it offers more variety and options in terms of planting. Small pots dry out quicker and need more frequent watering, and the soil will run out of nutrients faster, and need feeding more.
So in your large container, choose a shrub, with height and structure, as the centre-piece, then some smaller shrubs or perennials to create a scheme, making sure those are all suitable for the site conditions. How many hours of sun will the container receive each day? Is the site exposed or windy, which will dry out pots quicker and rock plants if tall? There are plants suitable for all sites but one must choose the right plants, just as if planting out in a border. Choose a mixture of evergreen and deciduous plants, to ensure year round interest
And then finally add the seasonal planting: pansies, cyclamens or hellebores in Winter, or geraniums, cosmos, begonias or verbenas in Summer. This adds a splash of colour, and enhances the existing scheme with a seasonal feel.
There will be some gardening to do – Pots and Containers will need topping up as soil levels drop naturally over time. They will need feeding as nutrients run low, and some regular watering. And there will still be some weeding/pruning/dead-heading to do, but it will not take much to create a stunning display and enhance your enjoyment of your outdoor space over the Summer and beyond.
Happy Gardening!
Anne Fraser and Caroline Streets
Planting Gems
07729 835988 & 07930 876348
