The Terra Cotta Garden is all about creating beautiful containers, and thinking outside the box when gardening.
I hope to give you some helpful hints to creating beautiful container gardens, to inspire creative thinking and to share my love of gardening with you. I hope that you enjoy the information I have to offer.
Keys to Dynamic containers
Variety, Variety, Variety.
One of the biggest design keys to creating beautiful, dynamic containers lies in the variety of the plant material. Most people who plant in containers tend to put only one type of plant in each container, creating a static and somewhat boring design.
As you chose plants for your container, you should look at several aspects of the plants:
1. Height: chose plants of varing heights to create interest and depth in the container. Also be sure to read the tag to determine the height of the plant at maturity.
2. Color: Decide on a color scheme for your container. Don't forget to look at the color of foliage. A good rule of thumb is to work in odd numbers like 3 colors. Also a single floral color works well (i.e. three different plant varities all producing white flowers)
3. Texture: Variety in the texture of the foliage adds depth and interest to your containers.
One of the biggest design keys to creating beautiful, dynamic containers lies in the variety of the plant material. Most people who plant in containers tend to put only one type of plant in each container, creating a static and somewhat boring design.
As you chose plants for your container, you should look at several aspects of the plants:
1. Height: chose plants of varing heights to create interest and depth in the container. Also be sure to read the tag to determine the height of the plant at maturity.
2. Color: Decide on a color scheme for your container. Don't forget to look at the color of foliage. A good rule of thumb is to work in odd numbers like 3 colors. Also a single floral color works well (i.e. three different plant varities all producing white flowers)
3. Texture: Variety in the texture of the foliage adds depth and interest to your containers.
Thinking outside the pot.
When traditional isn't the only answer
Coffee mugs aren't just for coffee anymore. I love using coffee mugs as small container gardens. Group three of them in the center of the dining table for a great centerpiece. Line them on a norrow windowsill or a small shelf. They are great on a desk or on the bathroom counter. And there are so many interesting designs out their, that you can match any decor.
But my all time favorite use for them is as party favors or presents. Pot them with fresh herbs or flowers and you have a great inexpensive gift.
But my all time favorite use for them is as party favors or presents. Pot them with fresh herbs or flowers and you have a great inexpensive gift.
Great Stuff on Amazon
P. Allen Smith's Container Gardens: 60 Container Recipes to Accent Your Garden
Amazon Price: $21.45 (as of 10/11/2008)
Incredible Vegetables from Self-Watering Containers: Using Ed's Amazing POTS System
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 10/11/2008)
New Container Style: Simple and Innovative Ideas for Planing Recycled Pots
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
Terra Cotta Flower Pots
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Keeping a journal
Keeping a journal can be a gardeners best friend. It allows you to store all your sucess, year after year in an organized fashion. When I keep my journal I record the plants that grew well and those that did not. I record any perenials which will be coming back next season. I also like to draw diagrams of the containers that I liked, and sketches for next years garden. A journal can also be a great way to lift your spirits during the cold winter months. Planning and reviewing can be a great pick me up.
