Container Gardening Tips

One of the seminars I went to at the Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show was about a huge interest of mine - container gardening! Here's a few of the highlights:

1. Pots are hot!
Classy ceramic containers are in this year, especially in cobalt blue, red, and chartreuse.

2. Bigger is better!
If your income is limited (and whose isn't these days!) invest in a large pot as opposed to several smaller pots. Larger pots make a more dramatic statement, allow for greater creativity, and are easier to care for.

3. Cram and jam!
Those of us that live in the north know that our container gardening season is all too short - so plant your containers generously from the beginning. You can always edit your container during the season if need be.

4. Have a lotta terra cotta!
Sorry, I think the bad humor of my pastor is rubbing off on me. While colorful ceramic pots are the latest trend this year, terra cotta is an enduring classic. Terra cotta goes with anything, and it's now available in many new shapes.

5. Thrillers, fillers, and spillers!
Your containers should include a plant with drama or height(thriller), plants of interest that are the main focus of your container(filler), and a plant that hangs down and softens the hard edges of your container (spiller).

6. Plant your veggies!
Ornamental vegetables are the new hot container plant trend this year. Try colorful veggies such as Lollo Rossa red lettuce, Bright Lights swiss chard, red cabbage, and Lavender Touch Eggplant. Edible nasturtium would add a nice dash of color as well, and of course herbs are a container gardening classic.

7. Pressed flowers are in!
I confess I made this one up. However, flowers that press well and look great in containers include pansies, osteospermum, lobelia, calendula, just to name a few. Add some colorful foliage plants to your pressed flower containers so that no one notices that you've snipped away a few of the flowers! Here's a comprehensive list of flowers that press well in case you're interested.

8. Have fun!