Many gardeners think of container gardens as static creations, but the recent renewed interest in container gardening has resulted in many inspired ideas so, with some thought and planning, you too can create stunning displays that can be changed to maintain interest in the garden throughout the year.
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Container plantings can also fill spaces in the garden and change the topography of the area by using pots in varying heights.
They can be used to extend the ground level, whether up steps or onto a deck as a natural transition from the garden to the hard landscape of steps, paths and the house.
Containers can serve as a punctuation point, be the centerpiece of a formal garden, give a sense of direction at the end of a long path or simply draw the eye away from an unsightly view.
Small containers in the shape of animals can be positioned so that when suddenly encountered, they add an element of surprise
Two containers can be used with taller plants to frame a view and similar containers can be used as a screen around the outdoor entertaining area.
Place two matching containers on either side of a garden seat and fill with fragrant plants.
Containers look best grouped in numbers of two, three or more with the largest to the rear and the smallest to the front. When placed like this the plants go from ground level to eye level and beyond, giving the illusion of movement.
When it comes to plant choices always keep contrasting colours and/or leaf shapes to create a flow for the eye to follow and strive for strong contrasts in the size of plants, their leaves and flowers.
What combinations to use can be challenging at times but I feel it’s a personal thing and what looks right to you is right - just go with your instincts.
The only rule I follow is the use of softer colours for areas near to the house and hotter colour combinations when the containers are further away.
The larger nurseries and hardware stores have hundreds of different containers from which to to choose.
There are classical stone urns and Versailles tubs, wooden troughs, hanging baskets and terracotta pots through to the funky brightly-coloured plastic ones.
When purchasing a container the practical consideration of capacity and durability are very important.
Container gardening is low maintenance. When you water, spruce up each container by removing dead leaves and spent flowers and they will always look their best.
DIARY
March 15: The Launceston Horticultural Society meets at the Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston at 8pm.
March 16: The Launceston Orchid Society meets at the Newnham Uniting Church Hall, George Town Road, Launceston at 7pm.
March 21: The Australian Plant Society meets at the Max Fry Hall on Gorge Rd, Trevallyn at 7.30pm. Guest speaker is Phillipa McCormack who will discuss “Environmental law and threatened species in an era of climate adaptation”. Visitors are welcome to attend to gain expert advice on gardening with native plants from the friendly members over a cup of tea or coffee. Information on the APST can be obtained from its website at www.apstasnorth.org
March 26: ‘WestFest’ at the Exeter High School Farm, Main Road, Exeter from 10am-3pm.
Family fun day with refreshments, live music, wine and olive oil tasting, local crafters, free activities for the children. See alpacas shorn. Sled dogs in Sport will feature. Entry $5, 6-12yrs $2.