How to Create a Container Display for All Seasons
Container planting does not have to be confined to seasonal displays.
If you have an area such as a patio where potted plants look at their best, it is a good idea to mix both seasonal displays with more permanent planting.
Shrubs and perennials do just as well in containers as they do in the ground, they just need a bit of extra care and attention.
Here is a short guide on how to create and maintain permanent displays in pots and containers.
When growing shrubs and perennials in containers, it is very important to use a good quality compost if you want your plants to stay healthy and survive more than just a couple of years.
Good loam-based compost will allow the plant roots to get a good supply of both air and moisture.
It is also wise to add a slow release fertiliser to the compost before planting to ensure the plants has access to nutrients.
Once you have chosen your planter, make sure it has good drainage by placing broken pieces of pot in the bottom of the pot, or using a few large stones to cover the drainage holes.
Fill the pot with a couple of handfuls of compost and the slow release fertiliser and mix the two together well.
Carefully remove the plant from its container and tease out a few roots if it looks a bit pot-bound.
Place the plant in the middle of the container so that it sits about 3cm from the rim of the pot.
Add more compost underneath the plant if it needs raising up.
Fill around the roots of the plant with more compost, making sure you firm down each layer as you go.
You should finish filling with compost when the level reaches about 3cm from the top.
This allows you to water the container well when you have finished.
Once you have planted the container it is also a good idea to put a layer of grit or crushed stone on the surface.
This will help with drainage and also help retain moisture during dry spells.
It also makes the container look more attractive.
Planting containers in this way will provide your patio area with all year round interest.
Evergreen shrubs such as box or lavender, alongside perennials such as patio roses, and annuals will provide you with a colourful display that changes throughout the year.
Group a few of your garden planters together, mixing evergreens with perennials and annuals to complete the effect.
If you have an area such as a patio where potted plants look at their best, it is a good idea to mix both seasonal displays with more permanent planting.
Shrubs and perennials do just as well in containers as they do in the ground, they just need a bit of extra care and attention.
Here is a short guide on how to create and maintain permanent displays in pots and containers.
When growing shrubs and perennials in containers, it is very important to use a good quality compost if you want your plants to stay healthy and survive more than just a couple of years.
Good loam-based compost will allow the plant roots to get a good supply of both air and moisture.
It is also wise to add a slow release fertiliser to the compost before planting to ensure the plants has access to nutrients.
Once you have chosen your planter, make sure it has good drainage by placing broken pieces of pot in the bottom of the pot, or using a few large stones to cover the drainage holes.
Fill the pot with a couple of handfuls of compost and the slow release fertiliser and mix the two together well.
Carefully remove the plant from its container and tease out a few roots if it looks a bit pot-bound.
Place the plant in the middle of the container so that it sits about 3cm from the rim of the pot.
Add more compost underneath the plant if it needs raising up.
Fill around the roots of the plant with more compost, making sure you firm down each layer as you go.
You should finish filling with compost when the level reaches about 3cm from the top.
This allows you to water the container well when you have finished.
Once you have planted the container it is also a good idea to put a layer of grit or crushed stone on the surface.
This will help with drainage and also help retain moisture during dry spells.
It also makes the container look more attractive.
Planting containers in this way will provide your patio area with all year round interest.
Evergreen shrubs such as box or lavender, alongside perennials such as patio roses, and annuals will provide you with a colourful display that changes throughout the year.
Group a few of your garden planters together, mixing evergreens with perennials and annuals to complete the effect.