Can’t Contain Yourself?

I haven’t written about containers so far as much of what I said in my hanging basket article applied equally to Tubs, ½ Barrels, Troughs and other Containers.
The big difference with Containers is just that – their size. This allows larger plants, even trees to be planted.
We tend to be almost obsessed with Bedding Plants in this day and age of smaller gardens and the subsequent emphasis on Container Gardening. Bedding plants do have an important role in Containers but they don’t provide interest all year round.

Try the following.

Take a ½ Barrel (a 28” one costs only £14.99) or a Malayan stoneware pot (£19.99 for a 24” one). Plant a Dwarf Conifer, a Dwarf Rhododendron, some Thyme, a Heather and a few variegated Ivies for trailing plants - all of these are evergreen but different shades of green. They will even differ in shape, texture and size. The Rhododendron will provide flowers as will Thyme (along with perfume and leaves for cooking). Leave space between them for bedding plants and/or Bulbs and you will have a miniature garden that will change with the seasons.
Plant up one now and when the Spring Bulbs arrive in August add some Snowdrops, Crocus and then some miniature Daffs and Tulips. Finally add some Winter Pansies. In the Spring replace the Pansies with Summer Bedding Plants
We tend to skimp a bit when we buy our Shrubs and Conifers after all they will grow soon enough but why not treat yourself to even one or two more mature specimens?

Try one evergreen flowering Shrub and one Conifer and plant them in different Tubs. This gives instant maturity to a Garden.

One of the best things about Containers (and also the most neglected) is the fact that you can move them about! Rearrange them and your Garden suddenly looks different and at no expense whatsoever.

Good luck, and as always, remember to water and feed your Containers and Baskets!

Article provided by Ron from West Carlston Garden Centre in Torrance.
www.westcarlston.com
This week’s Competition: Name any Dwarf Rhododendron.
The sender of the first correct e-mail will receive a £10 Gift Voucher.
Ron can be contacted at info@westcarlston.com
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