Johannesburg - Last weekend was the winter solstice. Now is the time to get ready for the arrival of warmer weather.
Plants in pots add instant colour to brighten the garden on cold days, whether growing in wine barrels in a cottage garden, in elegant urns in a formal garden, herbs in pots on a kitchen windowsill, or succulents in troughs on low walls.
Pots can provide focal points, screen off an area, or draw attention to a particular part in the garden. Use them to indicate a change of level from patio to lawn, or a flight of steps. Place pots of scented plants near entrances and windows, next to garden seats and outdoor entertainment areas.
Dwarf citrus trees are attractive when grown in large decorative pots or Versailles planters on a patio, in a courtyard, or lining a driveway. Versailles planters are large square wooden boxes designed as long ago as 1661 for orange trees that were overwintered in wealthy owners’ orangeries (greenhouses). They are also suitable for standards of clipped bay and olive trees.
Oversized pots can be used without plants, and plants with architectural foliage – such as acanthus, artichoke or ornamental grasses, planted around the base.
Choosing a pot
Just about anything can be used as a container, provided it has drainage holes – a watering can, wheelbarrow, wooden crate, old boots, or a cooking pot. Metal and fibreglass containers suit modern and minimalistic landscapes.
Pots should be deep and wide enough to hold sufficient soil for the roots to fit comfortably.
Plants that share pots should have similar requirements for sun, shade and moisture.
Grouping pots is far more effective than placing them randomly. On patios, add height by standing one or two on pedestals.
Use a commercial potting mix rather than garden soil that may contain weeds or toxins.
Ensure there are sufficient holes in the base for good drainage. Cover holes with pebbles or clay pot shards to prevent soil washing out.
Plants for pots
When deciding what to plant in pots, think of “thrillers, fillers and spillers”. Place vertical plants (thrillers) in the centre, with cascading plants (spillers) to soften the edges, and finish with filler plants. Experiment with a single colour, a blend of shades or contrasting colours.
Different textures will add contrast and interest.
Stand pots of rosemary or clipped bay at intervals in the vegetable garden; transform a kitchen courtyard with pots of colourful and edible nasturtiums, violas and calendulas interplanted with culinary herbs. Basil needs warm conditions, and if you want larger leaves, grow basil in more shade. Parsley can be grown in half-day sun.
Culinary herbs grown in pots next to the barbecue can be used for instant garnishes. Strawberry pots are perfect for herbs. Where space is limited, grow herbs and vegetables in pots on balconies and patios. As the weather warms, fill pots with chives, spring onions and lettuce. Grow mini cabbages, Swiss chard Bright Lights, and patio tomatoes on a trellis or wigwam.
Pots can also be used to confine invaders like bamboos and mints, hold alpine treasures that require excellent drainage, or add vibrant colour to entertainment areas. A coat of paint will refresh old pots. Fill lavender-blue pots with lavenders; or plant orange Gazanias in pumpkin-coloured pots and bronze ornamental grasses in pots painted in this year’s fashion colour, Marsala.
For a sophisticated effecton a patio, paint pots charcoal and fill them with white flowers and silver foliage plants.
Tips:
l Use a good quality potting mix in pots, not garden soil.
l Choose plants with similar sun, shade and water needs.
l In hot weather, check containers daily to make sure they do not dry out. On hot days you may have to water pots more than once.
l Turn pots from time to time for even growth.
l Deadhead flowers to extend their flowering time.
l To maintain healthy plants, feed pots once every two weeks with a liquid fertiliser such as Nitrosol or Seagro.
l Ensure pots and ornaments are firmly secured. Injuries and even deaths have been caused by children trying to pull themselves up on to pots, birdbaths and statues.
Saturday Star