Submitted by Joan Regan
Looking at Containers in a Different Way
Plants grown in containers/pots are the free spirits of our gardens. Placing them in spots where they can fill up an empty area and moving them out as the season fills in that spot. They are easy, versatile, and portable, as well as a pretty solution to many problems in the garden. I’m liking the fact that they offer no restrictions – if I wanted to grow tomatoes or peppers in pots, well I could (and have), tucked in with my Shastas and Coneflowers. When the tomatoes are gone a pretty potted up Mum can go in the empty spot. There is no reason why some potted up herbs can’t join their perennial friends. I have had pots of chives in the garden to keep the aphids and their buggy friends at bay for many seasons now (a hint from Muriel Erb).
A gal I knew in Ancaster potted up a few bulbs every fall and they waited in their pots for Spring to make a colourful hello come the warmer weather. She had a relatively small garden out front, however it was always full of colour with her pots of cheaters as she called them, making it work with her “less is more” ideas.
Having several smaller gardens out the back now (easier working for this old broad) one is filled with greens – everything from Hostas (no surprise there eh), Hellebores, Brunnera and Lungwort to name some. I decided to put some pots of annuals tucked in some colourful plastic pots. However, next year they will be bigger and better with some having a colourful perennial in with them. Already have Lupins, Catchfly, and Columbine potted up with a few more Spring friends. I am going to try some bulbs as well, along with the huge Shasta Daisies and three different colours of Cone flowers.
The jaw dropping Lilies I got from Earthbound a couple of years ago were all in pots and all have to be put in larger pots for next year. They were absolutely beautiful. As one slowed down another came into flower and they were huge. So proud of myself for the selection I got (back slapped). The huge Phlox took up the rear in my sunny garden and will take the garden into Fall. Several Spring/Summer perennials are potted up waiting to shine when its their turn In the Garden.
What am I doing. It’s September… there are at least 6 months of that white stuff to contend with and I’m planning my garden for 2020… but I want to so I will.
Happy September Gardening,
Joni
jpregan@amtelecom.net 519 596 2389
