Johannesburg - We should make far more use of pots. They fit in anywhere – in formal and country gardens, on patios and courtyards, lining flights of steps, or turning a rooftop balcony into a lush green oasis.
Containers have increasingly become an important part of garden design. They add colour where it is most needed, can be used to screen off an area and provide privacy, or draw attention to a particular spot. Pots placed on a raised area allow disabled gardeners to enjoying their hobby. They are also a means of growing plants with specific soil needs.
Secrets to successful containers
There are no secrets. So long as they’re abundant and generously planted, they will look stunning. Here are some general guidelines.
* Colour. White and lemon flowers and variegated foliage in pots can be used to lighten up dull areas, while containers of brightly coloured flowers can add interest to a boring part of the garden. Make containers “pop” by adding red or bright pink flowers, or lime-green foliage.
* Height. Climbers planted in deep containers and given a trellis to climb will provide vertical impact. A grouping of plants in pots, especially where there are paved spaces near a house, is a way of introducing more colour and interest. For example, when three containers of different sizes are grouped together, place the largest container at the back to hold a dwarf citrus tree. In front of this place a medium-size container planted with a rosemary bush, and in the smallest container plant herbs and lettuce.
* Texture. An interesting and well-balanced effect can be achieved by mixing flowers and foliage – large with small, rough with smooth, bold with feathery. Use potted palms and ferns to turn a sunroom into a tropical jungle, or a sun-baked courtyard into a desert garden with succulents and aloes.
Choosing the right container
Not only does a variation in plant textures and shapes enhance the overall effect, so does choosing the right container, for it is the base on which you build. There are containers to suit every plant and every position, from simple terracotta, wood, plastic and glazed pottery to stainless steel. Think of the overall look you want to achieve – bold or whimsical, simple or sophisticated, permanent or seasonal.
A container is a miniature garden that can be beautiful through the seasons. It gives the gardener a chance to combine colour schemes he may not wish to incorporate into the main garden.
Summer is when we spend time outdoors, entertaining on patios, and around the braai and pool, so why not add some bright colour in these areas with pots of marguerite daisies, bedding begonia, bedding dahlia, zinnia, marigold and petunia in sunny spots, and hydrangea, impatiens, ferns and fuchsia for more shady areas. All -day sun? Then make use of echeveria, bulbine and other succulents, or a one-colour planting using grey-leafed plants.
One of the ways to achieve a generous look with pots is to plant in layers. A deep container could accommodate large bulbs at the lowest level, followed by smaller bulbs, finishing with a covering of dwarf annuals such as lobelia or alyssum.
These annuals also help keep the soil cool on hot days.
Large pots don’t need plants. Use a giant container or urn as a strong focal point at the end of a path or where a path changes direction. Draw attention to an entrance, a flight of steps, or a curve in a border. A giant pot can stand alone or large-leafed plants such as acanthus or artichoke can be grown around the base to add a dramatic touch.
Herbs and pots go together, especially if culinary herbs are positioned near the kitchen or outdoor kitchen.
Not only is this a practical way of growing and having herbs nearby when you need them, it can turn a dull place into an eye-catching area. Include the edible flowers of nasturtiums, violas and calendulas for colour.
Practical tips
* Pots must have good drainage holes.
* Turn pots from time to time for even growth
* Position pots where they can get some protection from cold or hot, drying winds.
* In hot weather, pots should be checked daily to make sure they do not dry out.
* To prevent wind from blowing lightweight pots over, place stones in the base.
GENERAL GARDEN TIPS
* Create outdoor rooms in your garden by planting hedges or erecting walls, fences, arches and pergolas. Assign different colour schemes and designs to each room.
* Hedges are not only useful as boundary plantings, windbreaks and to provide privacy, they can also be used internally in the garden to screen one section from another. Suitable hedging subjects are Abelia, Escallonia, Raphiolepis, Sasanqua camellia, Plumbago and Tecoma capensis.
* Pinch out growing tips on clematis for a bushier plant and more flowers. During the growing season, fertilise plants at least every two weeks with Seagro, Nitrosol or Multifeed Classic according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not fertilise when in flower. - Saturday Star