Lecture
1:
Container
gardening is more popular than ever. According to a recent study, the
average household today has 4.2 garden planters. And why not?
Ideal
for urban or rural lifestyles, container gardening offers more
mobility and flexibility than traditional gardening. It can provide
year-round satisfaction as well as the opportunity to bring your
garden inside.
Once
relegated as only an alternative for apartment dwellers and people
with small yards, container gardening is today enjoyed by people of
all ages, lifestyles and gardening abilities even those with gardens.
Advantages
of Container Gardening:
Add
color, fragrance and style to balconies, decks, patios, entrance way
or home landscape
Hide
eyesores around your home with planted pots and hanging baskets
Garden
planters can be moved or replanted when displays fade or plants
outgrow space
Less
chance of pest damage
You
can take your container garden with you when you move
Plants
not suited to your yard soil conditions can be grown in containers
and planter boxes
Garden
planters, outdoor flower pots and window boxes come in a large
variety of materials, styles and sizes:
wood
ceramic
terracotta
fiberglass
or resin
clay
concrete
and
metal
The
characteristics of each type will make some better-suited than
others. We will discuss this shortly.
Mobility
: Plants in pots are easy to move. Brighten a dark corner with pots
of white, pink, or yellow flowering shade lovers such as impatiens
and Helichrysum. Some plants with a short blooming period, such as
lilies or foxglove, look magnificent in containers and grow well in
those temporary quarters. Transplant them to the garden when they're
finished blooming. As the seasons change, you can easily repot and
replant containers to freshen your garden displays. Of course, if you
are about to move to a new home—your container garden can come
right along with you.
Focus
: Potted plants and garden planters create interest. Grouped in
strategic places, they break the monotony of a terrace or a patio and
create an ambient scene. Build a simple theme garden around a color,
texture or an idea. A collection of yellow and blue bloomers, such as
pansies, Calendula, and heliotrope, makes a cheerful display. Pots of
Sedum and Sempervivum bring a desert theme to your patio, balcony or
garden.
Pizzazz
: Nestle garden planters of bright annuals among duller plants in the
garden for added color. As plants mature and flower, you can
re-postion them to show-off blooms. To keep plants looking good water
when soil dries; pinch off spent blooms and fertilize weekly.
Flexibility
: Rearrange plantings to suit the season, your mood or blossoms as
they mature and change color. Enjoy planters full of violets and
narcissus in spring; petunias and dusty-miller in summer; and Coleus
and Kale in fall. Create new planters to dress up your patio or deck
for a party or special event. Container gardening doesn't need to
stop in the winter—plant winter-hardy heathers for colorful
displays in cold weather.
Contain
Invaders : Contain rampant growers that are too invasive to let loose
in the garden—bamboo and mints are great examples of plants that do
well in containers, but will take over an in-ground garden. Plant
these and other vigorous growers in garden planters, then plant the
pot in the ground with the lip of the pot even with the soil surface.
Ambience
: Garden planters set the stage in outdoor rooms and may even steal
the show. Group sun-loving plants around a large houseplant that's
summering outdoors. A jumble of various pots stacked on stands and
clustered loosely lends a pleasantly casual look. Containers aligned
with precision and planted with trim specimens, such as rosemary
standards or ivy topiaries, create instant formality. A trio of large
pots makes a garden appear more settled; they suggest the
accumulation of years' of growth.
Scope
: Plants that require a longer growing season than you have in your
region can be started indoors to bloom outside in summer. Many
frost-sensitive plants make wonderful houseplants in winter and can
spend the summer on your patio or deck.
Tools
(20)
Machete,
trowels, pruners, scissors (to cut screen), watering can or hose
(unless you use drip), measuring spoons,
Different
materials from which containers can be made – advantages and
disadvantages (20)
Choose
the Right Garden Planters for Container Gardening
Use
garden planters with capacities between fifteen and 120 quarts,
remembering that small pots restrict the root area and dry out very
quickly. Deep rooted vegetables and larger plants require deeper pots
to sustain growth.
Make
sure your planter has adequate drainage. Holes should be one-half
inch in diameter. Containers set on bricks or blocks will also drain
better.
Most
important in choosing the right garden planters is consideration of
the material. If you choose clay pots, remember that clay is porous,
which means water can be lost through the sides. Plants in clay pots
should be monitored closely for moisture loss. Additionally, clay
pots are more likely to crack in extreme temperatures and are heavy
to maneuver should you change your mind regarding location or need to
bring the planter indoors during the winter months.
Wooden
planters are attractive and blend nicely with most outdoor
environments but are susceptible to rot. Redwood and cedar are
relatively rot-resistant, but remember to avoid wood treated with
creosote, penta, or other toxic compounds with vapors that can damage
plants.
Cheap
plastic pots may deteriorate in UV sunlight, and terra cotta pots
have a tendency to dry out quickly. Glazed ceramic pots are extremely
popular, but they are fragile and prone to cracking if not handled
delicately.
A
newer alternative on the market that eliminates many of these
concerns are lightweight polyurethane, fiberglass and resins. These
garden planters are easier to lift and maneuver because they are much
lighter than clay and wood pots. Lightweight planters are more
durable than ceramic or clay, too, and able to withstand year-round
extreme temperatures and exposure to sunlight without cracking or
fading. Innovative technology allows the foam to closely resemble the
looks of many natural materials, such as ceramic, wood, and rattan.
That means you can get the same great finishes, colors, and designs
as heavier planters but at a significantly lower cost.
COLOR
men
have five, women are at a distinct advantage in this area...
Don't
need me to reinvent the color wheel... BUT...
Yellow
~
Yellow
and blue create an exciting combination that makes you think of
spring and new beginnings.
Yellow
and purple can combine to create two different effects. If a
bright yellow is used with a deep purple, the effect will be
dramatic. If you choose a pale yellow with a lavender color,
you will create a classic, subdued, somewhat romantic look in the
garden.
Red
and yellow together create a bold, attention-grabbing color mix.
Pink
~
Pink
and orange - a beautiful combination to enhance terracotta planters.
Pink
and blue combinations are one of the easiest color schemes to
work with because of the abundance of flowers to select from. This
romantic color grouping creates a garden flower pot that is very easy
on the eye.
Purple
~
Blue
and purple are cool colors that look wonderful in shade or
partial shade. To make this color combination pop, use in front of
a light background.
Orange
and purple produce an energetic contrast that may clash. If you
want to be bold and different, this combination may work for you in
flower pots on your patio or deck. Add burgundy for a rich,
vibrant look, or lilac to soften the contrast.
White
~
White
and green lend a feeling of lightness and a restful look to your
garden flower pots. These colors are also very effective when
placed into a grouping of boldly-colored plants. They will
prevent the strong colors from overpowering the your container
garden.
White
and blue is another easy-to-create combination. There is a wide
variety of plants to choose from that will make your garden light and
cheerful.
When
working with color combinations in your flower pots, don't forget
green. Green is restful to the eyes and does not compete for
attention or dominate in the garden. Green creates a void that allows
our eyes to travel from one part of the garden to the other.
Don't
forget that foliage has color. Color comes not only from flowers ~
but also the plant foliage and the color of your garden planters.
Brighten
a shady area: use light-colored plants. Try these flower colors
in
light
pink
light
yellow
lavender
pale
blue
white
flowers
Surround
dark plants in the shade with lighter-colored plants so they don't
disappear into the background.
Bring
new life to your container garden display by exploring different
color combinations in your flower pots. You will be surprised at the
very different effects you can create.
Yellow
~
Yellow
and blue create an exciting combination that makes you think of
spring and new beginnings.
Yellow
and purple can combine to create two different effects. If a bright
yellow is used with a deep purple, the effect will be dramatic. If
you choose a pale yellow with a lavender color, you will create a
classic, subdued, somewhat romantic look in the garden.
Red
and yellow together create a bold, attention-grabbing color mix.
Pink
~
Pink
and orange create a southwestern look in your container garden - a
beautiful combination to enhance terracotta planters.
Pink
and blue combinations are one of the easiest color schemes to work
with because of the abundance of flowers to select from. This
romantic color grouping creates a garden flower pot that is very easy
on the eye.
Purple
~
Blue
and purple are cool colors that look wonderful in shade or partial
shade. To make this color combination pop, use in front of a light
background.
Orange
and purple produce an energetic contrast that may clash. If you want
to be bold and different, this combination may work for you in flower
pots on your patio or deck. Add burgundy for a rich, vibrant look, or
lilac to soften the contrast.
White
~
White
and green lend a feeling of lightness and a restful look to your
garden flower pots. These colors are also very effective when placed
into a grouping of boldly-colored plants. They will prevent the
strong colors from overpowering the your container garden.
White
and blue is another easy-to-create combination. There is a wide
variety of plants to choose from that will make your garden light and
cheerful.
When
working with color combinations in your flower pots, don't forget
green. Green is restful to the eyes and does not compete for
attention or dominate in the garden. Green creates a void that allows
our eyes to travel from one part of the garden to the other.
One
of the first decisions you need to make when planning your container
garden, is what colors you want to display in your outdoor planters.
Color comes not only from flowers ~ but also the plant foliage and
the color of your garden planters.
Consider
the amount of sunlight on your garden in the morning, at mid-day and
early evening.
You
will also want to consider the growing conditions of the location of
your planters, as well as the surrounding features such as walls,
deck railings, furniture and other plantings.
Shaded
areas can appear brighter by using light-colored plants. Try these
flower colors in garden planters in the shade:
light
pink
light
yellow
lavender
pale
blue
white
flowers
Surround
dark plants in the shade with lighter-colored plants so they don't
disappear into the background.
Garden
planters in the full sun can handle brightly colored flowers.
Pastels will appear faded and washed out in bright sunlight. Try
these bold colors in a sunny garden:
reds
oranges
bright
yellows
deep
blues
purples
To
create a unified look throughout your container garden, try to stick
to two or three colors.
Consider
not only the flower color, but also the color of the plant foliage
and even the planter.
Color
preferences are purely personal and unique ~ express yourself with
the colors you choose for your garden.
Explore
the color wheel
Monocromatic
A
monochromatic color scheme is composed of plants of the same color.
You may have an all-white garden or a garden that is "in the
pink." Create extra interest in a monochromatic garden by using
a mix of tones or shades of the same color in addition to various
textures, shapes and sizes.
Warm
colors include red, orange and yellow. They tend to make flowers
appear closer than they really are. Cool colors such as blue, violet,
silver and white lend a calming effect and make plants appear farther
away in the garden.
Remember
to consider foliage color in any of these container garden color
schemes.
WHITE
IS A SPECIAL COLOR IN THE GARDEN
White
flowers are in a class by themselves. They blend well with most
colors and can provide a transition between colors that do not
normally work well together. White flowers can create a beautiful
display in garden planters in the evening when combined with
well-placed, soft lighting. Moon gardens....
Purple
Flowers for Garden Planters
Purple
is an ideal color for accent plants in groupings of garden planters
planted with other colors such as pinks, reds, yellows and oranges.
You'll find an excellent selection of purple flowering annuals,
perennials and herbs for most growing conditions.
Many
herbs have purple flowers
Borage
is a full sun to partial shade plant that will produce purple and
lavender flowers for your planters. This plant also produces a
variety of other colored flowers as well. If you live in zones six
through ten this plant is a great outdoor plant for your garden.
Borage blooms throughout the cooler months...
Hyssop
is a plant for full sun that grows well in planters in grow zones six
through nine, although experienced gardeners will have success in
other areas. This is a violet, violet- blue colored flower that adds
color to your garden.
(ALL)
Mints are a common herb that produce flowers, pink or purple. Mint is
easily grown in zones five through nine and is found blooming from
early July through the end of August. Mint can be grown in full sun
or in partial shade, only requiring a few hours of sun a day for a
healthy plant. Planted in the garden, mint can become invasive, so it
is an ideal plant to keep under control in beautiful terracotta
planters.
Sage
is another purple-flowered herb that blooms in the early spring
months as the weather starts to warm. Sage is easily grown outdoors
in zones four through eight and in other areas where gardeners bring
in their plants during the very high and low temperature swings. This
is a full sun plant that does well in all types of planters,
including window planters, in the garden or on a balcony in the full
sun.
Try
these bold colors in a sunny garden:
reds
oranges
bright
yellows
deep
blues
purples
To
create a unified look throughout your container garden, try to stick
to two or three colors. Consider not only the flower color, but also
the color of the plant foliage and even the planter. Color
preferences are purely personal and unique ~ express yourself with
the colors you choose for your garden.
Qualities
to look for in containers:
Will
hold enough soil and water
Will
last long enough
Has
adequate drainage
Will
insulate from the heat of the sun
Blends
with the existing theme
