Container gardening is popular along rooftops or verandas. Pots may be arranged near each other, so that beautiful gardens can bloom, even in small spaces.
Containers on staircases,decks or at front doors can be a spectacular splash of color to welcome visitors.
Plants in containers add more aesthetic value when in odd numbers,varying sizes is another consideration, You will often see Containers in "Sets of 3" with a small,medium and large.
However, you don't have to be restricted to Pots to have a wonderful display of your favorite plants, there are so many other options.
With a little imagination you can have what I like to call "One of a kind" containers.
Almost any container will be suitable for plants, here are a few examples, the list of course is endless.
"Keep in mind the Container you choose will need drainage holes"
For Example:
Old work boots
wheelbarrows,
driftwood
aged sinks
barrels
casks vases,
crocks,
bathtubs,
Wellington Boots... To name a few.
My most recent 'unusual' containers are pair of Cowboy boots, They look awesome!!!
If you want to try something like this, here's how it's done.
*For the front of the boot I chose plants that were drought resistant,(Rockery plants, are a great choice) lots have a 'trailing nature, and look so pretty when the cascade over the edge. These plants are found at any good Garden Center,they are often called 'Sedums'Or'Creepers'
*I cut a hole approx 2inches in diameter at the "upper" of the boots.
*Next,instead of making the drainage holes in the soles, I made them approx 3inches up from the sole of the boot. approx 3 inches apart all the way round. This way when watering, the plant roots will retain the water, rather than it pour out of the bottom.
**This is a good idea for any container that does not already have drainage holes pre made**
*Taking soil from my composter I mixed in one cup of Happy Naturals
All Purpose pour n Feed soil conditioner,which is an
Organic blends of NPK plus micronutrients and Store n'Feed Gel
This helps keep the soil from drying in the hot summer
sun,I use it in all my Containers with excellent results.
*I began Filling the boot packing the soil well into the 'toe'.
At the upper where I had cut my 2in circle,I planted the sedum, then continued to fill the soil up the leg of the cowboy boot.
** Note** The boots I used were very stiff,had they NOT been, I would have used a piece of garden cane at the heel, going up to almost the top of the boot**
Filling with the soil up to about 2 ins from the top, I then planted Chives in the
One boot,Garlic chives in the other, *Chives have the purple heads, Garlic Chives have white heads* Within 2 or 3 weeks, the Cowboy Boots were a blaze of color.
The other great benefit of course was the delicious Organically grown chives we had fresh whenever we needed them!
I feed once a month with Sea Results Micronutrient, the plants are healthy, that makes me 'Happy'
Sorry Folks, I thought all I had to do now was add the image of the Cowboy boots in all their glory, but I do not have one, However I do have pics of a pair wellies, and a pair of workboots,(talk about recycling eh!)
The Boots were not ready to retire just yet LOL. They have been 'Plant Containers" for 3 years now.
The very best thing about these 'Containers', is that I don't have to do anything with them, the plants are perennial and come back every year. The front of the workboots have "Hens and Chicks" growing, another great option for containers of any kind.
I'll post other Container tips, as time goes on, I have done a LOT of them in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
The one thing I've not touched on yet, Make sure the Container is big enough for the plant. Now I have to say in my experience, the plant will grow as big as the pot its in.
I'll be glad to advise, I have grown Eucalyptus and Japanese Maple Trees in Pots that were not HUGE at all, it can be done!!
Now veggies in pots, is a different thing, you really need to make sure the containers are big enough, but that's for another day, now I'm going to have a wee rest. OH I almost forgot, Our Green Gift Giving Flier is out, and we have a closeout sale on, great bargains to be had, for the Gardener in your life this holiday season. I'm usually around if you have any questions, if not leave a message I'll get right back with you.
Happy Gardening!
PS Coming soon! Organic Baby Wear, Apparel, Organic Seeds, Well lets just say Everything Organic. Anything your looking for, let me know, I'll find it for you.
Take Care
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