Easy Container Gardens

1) Your home landscape, entry-ways and balconies and decks can become infused with color fragance and style.

2) Planted pots and hanging baskets can easily hide eyesores around your home with strategic placement.

3) Garden planters can easily be moved or replanted when your displays fade or plants outgrow their space.

4) There is less chance of pest damage with proper maintenance.

5) Portability means you can take your container garden with you if you move.

6) Unsuitable soil conditions can be overcome when you plant in containers and planter boxes.

If you have no plot of land but still desire the beauty of a garden, container gardening is your ideal solution. Container plantings can be changed from season to season for continuous color. They can be mixed and matched, moved and arranged as the occasion may dictate. Your success depends upon the thoughtful selection of plants and containers that work well separately, in groups, and a variety of locations.

When choosing the ideal plants for your container gardens consider these choices...Here are a few examples of plants that thrive in containers, you will want to investigate further for your cilmate and region. For planters that you will be placing in the direct sun choose viburnum, chinese hibiscus, lilac, dwarf crape myrtle and hydrangea. For partial shade select camellias, azaleas, gardenias and pieris

If your garden space is drab and dreary brightly colored pots will dramatically increase your garden's color quotient. Whatever you are planting, flowers, cactus, or herbs, these delightful pieces will make a welcome addition to any space. Since each piece is individually hand painted by Talavera artists, no two pieces will be identical and the picture is a representation of the general painting patterns and colors used. Talavera is an art form that has its roots starting in the 16th Century. Original styles have been influenced with Spanish, Arabic, Italian and Chinese origins. The Spaniards brought the technique to Mexico with a distinctive style that came from Talavera de la Reina, a city in the central part of Spain. From there it developed into a contemporary art form that is still extremely popular. Many villages were built just to support the making of the numerous forms that can be purchased today.
I personally love these colorful pots and find them very attractive and cheerful.

Stagger Height
To offer additional interest select containers of different sizes and create groupings.

Use Colorful Varieties
Use attractive flowers, foliage, fruit or vegetables in your planters for color and texture.

Incorporate Textural Contrasts
You can make a stunning statement by combining textures even if you are growing all green plants. Grasses go with seemingly everything and create contrast.

Plant Bulbs
Surprise yourself with a splendid splash of color by planting bulbs in your containers. Plant spring bulbs in the fall, and summer bulbs in the spring and enjoy fabulous color for an entire growing season.

Include Support
Let your vines grow upright, which allows space for trailing plants and fillers.

Manage Your Space
Container gardening is ideal for small spaces, with creative use of sizes you may be able to get more plants than you think into a tight space.

Easy Access
You will want to place your containers so that they are easily accessible for watering and enjoyment purposes.

Plant Styles
Create a lush look by growing plants that seem to exude color, texture and fragrance. Look for hints in leaf, flower, or foliage color.

Garden Art
Leave a little space in your containers for garden art. It can create a focal point, a touch of whimsy and is an additional way to share your personality.

Turn your balconies, porches or patios into a lovely retreat with container gardens. Following these simple steps it's easy.

1)Choose the Containers and Plants
Choose containers that fit the size of plants you are going to use. Make sure your containers have drainage holes. Contrasting large and small will create a visual interest. Annual plants and bulbs are a popular choice

2) Plant
Use high - quality potting soil to fill your containers. Fill to about 3 inches from the top and dig out space for one plant at a time.

3) Water
Once you have placed your plants in the container, water gently until you see water coming out of the drainage hole. Carefully arrange them to your liking.

4)Placement
Move your containers to create the look you desire. You can mix large and small, place in groupings, use hanging containers, pot stands and railing boxes to create added interest.