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​Containers are a great way to green up areas of hard landscaping. Containers allow for experimentation; rather than reorganising your borders every season to try new plant combinations, test them out in containers first. Plant combinations can be tweaked as the seasons change, and smaller containers are eminently portable. For example, if planted with spring bulbs, a group of small pots can take centre stage on an outdoor table during March and April, before being discreetly moved out of sight once the bulbs have finished their display.
When planting containers, its important to think of the position of the container; not only whether it is in sun or shade, but also whether it will be positioned near the front door or a seating area.
I planted these containers, flanking the entrance to a client’s north facing home, with the shrub Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis, underplanted with Hedera helix ‘Glacier’. Sarcococca thrive in the shade and have lovely creamy white scented flowers in winter and early spring, followed by ornamental berries. The powerful fragrance that greets visitors to the client’s house over the winter months is an unexpected treat.
All sorts of things can be used as containers. As long as the pot is robust enough to be kept outside throughout the year, and big enough to hold sufficient compost and moisture to enable the plants in it to grow, then it should fit the bill. The other important consideration is to ensure adequate drainage. If the container is made of a non porous material then it is important to drill adequate drainage holes in its base, if they are not there already.
All sorts of things can be used as containers. As long as the pot is robust enough to be kept outside throughout the year, and big enough to hold sufficient compost and moisture to enable the plants in it to grow, then it should fit the bill. The other important consideration is to ensure adequate drainage. If the container is made of a non porous material then it is important to drill adequate drainage holes in its base, if they are not there already.
In this patio planting for part shade, I used the bottom half of an old Victorian metal water butt .The ridged design is surprisingly contemporary. The container is planted with Euphorbia ‘Ascot rainbow’, Carex buchananii and Alchemilla mollis. A few plug plants of Petunia were added at the end of the spring for some additional long flowering summer interest. In late spring Tulipa ‘Black Parrot’ and ‘Prinses Irene’ complete the picture.
It is advisable not to position metal containers in full sun: They will heat up in prolonged sunny weather, not only ‘cooking’ the roots of the plants contained therein, but also nicely crisping any lovely leaves hanging over the edges.
It is advisable not to position metal containers in full sun: They will heat up in prolonged sunny weather, not only ‘cooking’ the roots of the plants contained therein, but also nicely crisping any lovely leaves hanging over the edges.
