Container gardens have varied uses

By Kathy Hatfield
Gardening Columnist

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Though a seemingly modern trend, container gardening dates back to the ancient Egyptians, as evidenced by tomb paintings from the reign of Ramses II. It is quickly gaining in popularity as more gardeners discover the flexibility and diversity of container garden design.

It's not difficult to create special effects with containers: to brighten an entrance, to decorate a deck or patio, to create a desirable ambiance or even to camouflage an annoying eyesore on your property. Whether you long for the riotous colors of the Mediterranean, a soothing tropical retreat or the serene and simplistic beauty of an oriental landscape, container gardening can accommodate your needs. Containers are movable, low maintenance, and can help stretch the growing season. Many plants are adaptable to growing in containers, even fruits and vegetables.

Almost any container can be used for a container garden as long as it has a drainage hole and is large enough for the intended plants. Unconventional containers, such as wheelbarrows, boots, baskets, teapots, even bathtubs, are useful too. If they don't have drainage holes, they can be used as cachepots. Larger containers can be put on plant dollies so that they can be moved more easily.

A soil-less potting mix is usually best for most container gardens because it is light and porous, allowing good drainage. Various mixes can be purchased ready-made and usually contain sphagnum peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, and sometimes other ingredients, such as compost or shredded bark. It if is not already in the mix, a time-release fertilizer can be added, which will feed the plants continuously for three to four months. For huge containers, try putting packing peanuts on the bottom third to one-half of the container. Cover with a piece of porous landscape fabric to keep the potting mix from sifting down into them.

In designing a flowering container garden, consider adding tall, linear species to add height, some filler plants to add mass, and finally, cascading plants to add depth and soften the edges of the pot. Remember to choose plants with similar light and water requirements. After you have determined the placement of each plant, gently remove it from its pot, place it in the container and fill in with more potting mix, adjusting the plant and mix level so that the level of the finished planting will be 1 to 2 inches below the rim of the pot. Gently press the soil around the plants and fill in any air spaces. Finally, adding a layer of mulch on the top of the exposed mix will help to retain moisture. Use pebbles, marbles, seashells or other decorative materials.

Watering is critical. During the hottest part of the summer, some containers may need watering twice daily. But overwatering is as detrimental to the plants as not enough water. A good test is to stick your index finger into the soil to a depth of the second joint. If your fingertip feels dry soil, it's time to water.

Most container plantings are not winter-hardy, so bring them indoors or empty the pot completely before freeze-thaw cycles break it.

Special considerations for Colorado container gardens:

• In our dry climate, unglazed terra cotta pots tend to dry out quickly. A better choice might be a heavy plastic or glazed ceramic pot.
• Choose a container that is light-colored on the outside and will reflect sunlight.
• Most potting mixes are slow to absorb water. Be sure the mix is thoroughly moistened, by watering it as you add it in layers to the container.
• Use water-retentive polymer crystals that store water and slowly release it as the soil dries. Follow package directions.
• If your plants are drying out too quickly in full sun, place them where they will get sun in the morning and early afternoon, avoiding late afternoon scorching sunlight.

Have fun creating a container garden to suit your style. The container in the adjacent photo is an idea to get you started. If you prefer something more patriotic, here's one that will give you red, white and blue flowers long past the Fourth of July. You'll need a 10-12" container, potting mix and the following plants:

• 1 tall red zonal geranium (Pelargonium sp.)
• 2 white cup flowers (Nierembergia sp.)
• 2 blue pimpernel (Anagallis sp.)

Place the geranium in the center, alternating the cup flowers and blue pimpernels around the geranium. These plants like full sun and moderate water.

E-mail me at ocwildflowers@frii.com with your questions or comments on container gardening.