We tend to be of the belief that a garden, to be beautiful and inviting, must consist of lush foliage planted directly into the ground. Holding onto this belief may be holding you back from creating a garden in a very unexpected place. Gardening in pots or containers is applicable in so many settings, and very convenient for the busy homeowner. Using containers, you gain the ability to experiment with a wide variety of garden elements, color, soils and also heights. This may perhaps be the best thing about a potted garden; the fact that you can set the height based on your comfort level. Lastly, when you work with a potted garden, you can create something entirely new every season if you wish. Here, we will cover a few tips on putting your own unique potted garden together.
In gardening, the entire process can be fun. The very first step of designing your own potted garden is to consider the size of your space. This will help you determine the size of pots and plants to add. Larger pots and plants may used in small spaces but should be kept to a minimum. As you observe the area where you will garden, jot down a sketch of how you might like it to appear.
Part of the appearance of your potted garden is the layout; but layout also comes from knowing what items will go into your garden. Will you add a garden fountain or a bench or other seating? Garden fountains are ideal in any situation for the sheer fact that the sound of trickling water is very soothing. Therefore, if you plan to spend time in your garden, you would do well to check out a few different sized garden fountains. Remember, when sketching your layout, place these special items prominently. A garden fountain is often the focal point of any garden and thus a good place to start the overall design. Also consider colors, as the pots used create just as much beauty as the plants themselves.
Once you’ve prepared your space and know your design, you get to add plants to the pots you have chosen. In planting, a few factors need to be given special attention. Drainage is the first thing to consider, as this is the very foundation of your planting. Plants require adequate drainage so that roots do not rot and kill the plant. The best way to get drainage is to purchase pots with holes in the bottom. Decorative pots do not always contain holes, and drilling your own can be quite difficult. To solve this issue, you may use the plastic container a plant comes in. The best solution is to cut the container down to ½ inch, so it becomes a small dish, then place the dish upside down in the bottom of your decorative pot. This creates necessary space for drainage. On top of the dish, place 1-2 inches of gravel and then move on to planting your new foliage!