These long winter months are the perfect time to start thinking about and planning your container gardens. Here are some facts and pointers about how to create the perfect container garden.

Facts:

1. Establish the size of your containers.  Make sure there is plenty of room for the roots to move downward into the soil.
2. Provide good drainage by drilling holes in the bottom of your container. You can also help the plant drain by adding a 1” – 2” layer of gravel at the bottom of the container.
3. Use a good potting soil mix, not garden soil, a good mix of peet and perlite will retain moisture longer.
4. Chose plants with similar cultural requirements. Group together plants that require the same amounts of water, sun and fertilizer.
5. Favor draught tolerant plants that can handle intensified heat and the dry soil of a container.
6. Balance the size of your plants with your container.  Try to make sure the tallest plants are not more that twice the height of the container, and that the fullest are not more than half the width.
7. Judge sun exposure – try not to place containers in full midday sun.
8. Water your plants twice daily in the heat of the summer.
9. Fertilize your plants with a time-released fertilizer or use a water-soluble fertilizer every 2 – 4 weeks.

Pointers:

1. Don’t be afraid to experiment
2. For the most visually effective groupings, use a minimum of three plants per container
3. As a rule of composition odd numbers look better than even numbers
4. Consider differing the shapes of the plants – use shapes that compliment and contrast with one another
5. Use a mixture of tall, round mounded, and trailing plants to make your container more visually appealing
6. When working in a small area, use matching types of containers in different sizes
7. In large areas use a variety of pots – mixing sizes, styles, and shapes. Then group identical pots with identical plants.
8. Raise containers to different heights to put plants at better viewing levels
9. Hang your containers
10. Try using specimen trees or plants to create a year round visual interest
11. For a traditional look try a topiary in a classical urn flanking doors, use all the same colors to create a more formal feel.
12. For a more casual look, use containers that show vintage wear and tear

Choosing the right plants for your container garden is very important. Here are some options that work nicely.

• Alyssum
• Bergonia – specialty
• Browallia
• Coleus
• Geraniums
• Impatients
• Lantana
• Lobelia
• Marigolds
• Periwinkle
• Nasturtiums
• Pansies
• Petunias
• Salvia
• Snapdragons
• Thunbergia
• Zinnias
• Mandevilla
• Citrus
• Hibiscus
• Passion Flowers
• Canna