Although summer is winding down you can still have a stunning, colourful display of flowers in the garden, whether it’s to give an instant boost to a dull, shady area, maybe a splash of colour on the patio or a dazzling welcome by the front door.
Planting up a container is easy and you can be very creative with your chosen plants. You do need, however, to make sure that your chosen plants for the container have similar growing conditions in order to thrive, and that they are planted to display themselves to full advantage. It’s worth noting that a large container overflowing with plants has more of a wow-factor than smaller containers, also, large pots require less watering.
First, when planting a large container, decide where you want to position it as it will be heavy to move once filled with compost. Check there are drainage holes then add some broken crocks or styrofoam chips to the bottom before adding a good quality compost.
Water all your plants before planting so their compost is damp, then remove them from their pots. Generally, the best way to display container plants is by putting the tallest at the back, or in the middle if the container is going to be seen from all sides. Now add mid-height plants, filling in any gaps with compost. Finally, place your short and trailing plants around the edges of the container. Top up with more compost and firm down. Water the container thoroughly.
Choosing your plants is the fun bit and you can create a stunning masterpiece! Try evergreen shrubs for year-round interest, or water-wise plants like Perlargoliums, Gazanias, Geums, Felicias, and different succulents for low-maintenance. Ideal trailing plants are lobelias, nasturtiums, trailing petunias, verbenas and ivy. Pansies, dianthus, and bellis perennis (English daisy) are also perfect for containers.
Welcome autumn with an amazing, creative container that will give pleasure for months!