IREM Chapter 8 Friend of the Month

Premier Plantscapes
3838 Bell Road
PO Box 188
Burtonsville, MD 20866
301.384.1900

CONTAINER GARDENING
Not enough time or money for an expansive garden? A container garden is an excellent option for apartments, townhomes or to accent a deck or patio. Use your imagination when it comes to containers, an old wash-tub, a wheelbarrow, even a five gallon paint can become attractive when planted. Inexpensive terra cotta pots can be faux painted to match any décor and plastic decorative containers have come a long way over the years. Your local nursery or garden center will have lots of options on hand. You can create more drama to your container garden by grouping containers at different heights. Use an old table or overturned bucket to create a variety of heights that will be visually appealing. Remember that once planted you may not be able to easily move your container due to weight so be sure of placement before planting.

Proper drainage will be needed so your plants aren't floating. You can kill a plant quicker with over-watering than under-watering! Poke holes in the bottom of your container and use a bit of gravel prior to adding soil. Prepared soil mixes are available in a variety of ready to use bag sizes. You can fill your container with flowering annuals of different varieties or try adding seasonal plantings of tropical plants and evergreens. Your container garden will become year round with the use of summer tropical foliage plants that you change out in the late fall with winter evergreens. Some evergreens can even be lit for the holidays. Make sure to use outdoor rated lights and extension cords though.

When choosing a center focal plant, remember that the height will dictate the size of the decorative container that you will need. For instance, if you decide to use a 5' Ficus for the summer and want to put annuals underneath it, you will need a container at lease 2' in diameter to accommodate all the plants. Your garden center can help you choose the right plant for your location. Vary plant heights, shapes and textures for interest. A range in heights helps make sure one plant doesn't overshadow the other. Plants and flowers should have the same sunlight and watering needs. If your area is in shade you may want to choose low light interior plants for outdoor use during the summer months for varying textures. Containers dry out quickly and more frequent watering will be needed during the hot dry months.

It's been proven that spending five minutes a day among your plants will decrease stress and lower blood pressure so enjoy the fruits of your labor!