Containerized plants are not a novelty. Plants have been showcased in containers for centuries as in the grand gardens of Versailles where King Louis kept palms and citrus in planters. Victorians were great "plant hunters" so many of their gardens  featured containerized exotics like agaves, palms, and cordylines. However, I don't recall a period which can compare to our current era of container gardening due to the endless variety of plant material available, as well as the multitude of styles of containers available to create container gardens. The right container in the perfect spot can make a dramatic focal point in a landscape. Containers can create a pleasing welcome at an entrance, or be used in groupings to screen an unpleasant view.

        Ideas for plant material that can be used in containers only depend on what a particular plant needs in terms of moisture, exposure and hardiness. When choosing plants for a container, try grouping items that have the same specific needs. Try not to think only about flowers, but look at foliage with regard to both texture and color. Many shrubs and perennials offer exciting colors and interesting leaf forms. What a container's particular use in the landscape will be dictates the appropriate height necessary for the plant material being used. Tall items are generally positioned in the back of a container or used in a centered position with lower items to the front, or around the base.  Always stick to a color scheme when creating a container. If necessary, look to the color wheel for guidance in your choices. When choosing plants be sure they will provide the "thrill" for as long as possible. Many perennials have particular periods of color followed by long lulls, which may make a container less than thrilling during the down time. Annuals are the best choice for continuous color.

Container maintenance is going to keep planters looking their best throughout the season. Deadheading perennials and annuals (removing spent flowers and seed heads) will keep them flowering longer and neatens their appearance. Make sure planters are watered regularly since containers will dry out more frequently than items planted in the ground. Also, fertilize container plantings to get the best performance from them.  Annuals, perennials and shrubs that are ever-blooming do require feeding in order for their flower show to go on until the first frost.

If you haven't tried container gardening before, spring is a great time to get started. Begin by choosing a medium-sized container 12" to 18" in diameter in a pleasing style and color that will work with your surroundings. Select a plant that has some height as well as some interesting characteristic---leaf shape, color or form. We call this the "thriller". Then choose interesting "filler" plants, which complement the "thriller". Now select at least one "spiller", which is an item that trails  down the side of the container. For each of the plants, look at the color of the flowers and the color of the foliage. Once you have decided on the plant material to be used, set the plants in place and "stage" the show. When you're satisfied with the look, then plant. Creating containers can be a lot of fun and is certainly an easy way to liven up a dull landscape.

If all of this seems like too much effort, Smithfield Gardens now offers a free potting service to its customers. We will help you choose a container, pick out your plants, and then one of our associates can pot up your masterpiece.  Also, for those of you in a hurry we will have many "grab and go" containers ready for your deck or patio, and we will not tell anyone that you didn't do it yourself.

Jeff Williamson