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Designing a container garden

The successful design of a container garden depends on the plants the containers used and how the two are elements complement each other. As with any garden design, beginning with set goals will help drive the project. Do you want to liven up a deck, or bring color to a dull porch? Answering these types of questions will start you off in the right direction.

Why containers?

There are many reasons why people garden in containers, so goals differ. No matter where people live, they have an urge to beautify their surroundings. For spaces with little soil or space, decorative containers offer interesting ways to grow a wide variety of plants.

Problem solver

Container gardens can also be problem solvers. If you have a long path to your house, colorful annuals in pots will make the approach more interesting. Use containers brimming with plants to hide the edge of a concrete balcony. Disguise ugly walls with pot grown shrubs and climbers or build banks of color on a drab front porch. The possibilities are endless!

Portability

Besides allowing you to garden anywhere and improving dull areas, another great thing about container gardening is the portability. Group plants for impact and ungroup them if the idea doesn't work. If an area is too sunny part of the year, just move the container to a different location. The container gardener has so many options.

Choosing containers

The best thing about container gardening is there are no rules. Use any container you can get your hands on. Glazed pottery is fairly cheap and readily available. Clay and terracotta pots look good anywhere. Even plastic pots, wooden barrels, old water tanks, oil drums, large tin cans, and old boots will work. If it will hold soil, it can be adapted. Just make sure the container is large enough to hold a good volume of soil and you can make an adequate drainage hole on the bottom. When choosing a container you'll want to consider:

  • Location. Where you're going to put the container will help determine what kind of container you buy. For example, if you're going to group pots for impact, you may want to use the same color scheme.
  • Size, shape, and weight. The type of flowers or plants you want use, how mobile you want the container to be, and the location will determine the size and shape of a container.
  • Durability. If you live in a climate where it rains frequently or gets cold, you may want to buy water-proof or frost-proof containers. Also, investing in containers that resists rot, rust and corrosion is sometimes cost effective in the long run.

Choosing plants

When designing a container garden, choosing plants is the fun part. If a plant doesn't work where you put it, dig it out and put it in another pot and start over. You are the artist and the plants are your canvas. Don't limit yourself to annuals and perennials. Experiment. Use containers to plant trees, shrubs, climbers, ferns, and bulbs.

These guidelines will be helpful when designing a container garden:

  • Assess the location. Will the container be in sun or shade? Is the location sheltered or exposed? Pick plants appropriate for the area.
  • Color strategy. Grouping like colors can make a dramatic impact. Or, choose light, medium and dark tones of one color to put together in a pot. Combining contrasting colors and plants in a big pot or in pots of different sizes is another option. If the color of the container is important in the composition, choose plants that won't spill out and hide the container.
  • Consider shape. Plants in containers should not be more than twice the height of the pot, or more than 1.5 times the width. Include at least one plant that is taller than the rest to create interest. Also, plant at least one vine or trailing plant in each pot that spills over the edge.
  • Include foliage plants. 2/3 of a mixed container should be planted with foliage plants. These plants will add color before, during and after blooms.
  • Lasting bloom. Include plants that flower for an extended period.
  • Container height. If you're going to group pots, they should be varying heights. You can accomplish this by placing containers on boxes, old chairs, or benches to create interest.
  • Alternative plants. You may be stuck with few choices because of a location, either too sunny or too shady. But if you're not, look around at alternatives. Besides annuals, you can plant herbs, perennials, trees, and shrubs.

Action plan

After you set goals for your container garden, sketch out a plan on paper. Decide where you'll put each pot and how many plants to buy for each. That way you'll have an idea of how much plant material you'll need so you don't waste time and money.