There’s the traditional “garden variety” container garden and then there are unusual, unique or out of the ordinary, edgy ones. Traditional patio planters or front porch pots tend to be round or rectangular and flat, facilitating the display of flowers on a horizonal and perhaps cascading plane. Other types of planters expand the viewing of the plant material in vertical, rounded and hanging arrangements, often in combination of other hardscape elements of the landscape.
Regardless of the appearance of the container garden, the key elements remain the same – ensuring adequate drainage of excessive water, adequate size for the plant material and a theme that suits the grower.
Drainage – Drainage can be facilitated most easily by choosing a container with several holes drilled or punched in the bottom. On average, about 10% of the water that is applied should seep out the bottom of the pot, and 90% be retained in the soil mix to be utilized by the plants. A soil mixture that contains a third Canadian peat moss, a third vermiculite and a third perlite is a tried-and-true combination that is successful in most instances. These percentages can be adjusted based on the needs of the plant and the availability of the raw ingredients. For example, plants such as fuschia that prefer a slightly moister soil, a higher percentage of peat moss should be used.
Adequate Size – A certain minimum size of soil volume is required for the roots and soil mixture and must be used in order to be successful, especially as the season progresses. Since robust root growth is essential for container gardens, the area for future rooting should be at least 4-5 times as large as the transplant root mass is when it’s planted. If the container’s rooting capacity is on the smallish side, the likelihood that the garden will be successful is minimal. In most cases, gradual stunting and thinning will occur.
Theme – By now in May 2024, most gardeners have heard of the term “Thriller, Filler and Spiller” or TFS. Coined by garden writer and photographer Steven Silk about 20 years ago, TFS is an easy and effective way to design and display a container garden. Starting with a thriller, a plant that is dominant and catches the eye, a “statement plant” is usually placed in the center or back of the pot. Next, plants that are low growing and can creep and hang over the edge of the container are placed to expand the dimensions of the display. Lastly, plants that are tucked in between the thriller and the spillers are the fillers, ones that add shape and substance.
The other aspect of theme applies to the location of the container garden. Some are simple – they’re meant to sit on the patio or front porch. Others are more unique such as window boxes or vertical and layered containers. Both work very well, but are most successful when they are well thought out in advance.
Finally, unique container gardens allow the grower to use their imagination and creativity. Just about anything that will hold soil and a plant can be successful. Whether it’s a big boot, old couch, rusted washing machine or weathered wheelbarrow, lots of items or former items will work just fine.
