Instant Impact: Think Inside the Container

This guest post was written by Ashley Patterson, owner of The Art of Gardening in Augusta, GA. Ashley graces front porches and pool sides across the CSRA with her gift of container planting. We are all rushed for Masters Week here in Augusta to host one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. Ashley shares her great ideas with us.

For Instant Impact: Think Inside the Container

     When spring arrives in Augusta, it means one thing: The Masters Golf Tournament can't be far behind. Whether you're entertaining out-of-town guests or renting your home, you want to make a good first impression. So, what can you do to add curb appeal? Start by dressing up your front door and making the entrance more inviting. 

Summer container
Diamond Frost, Margarita Sweet Potato vine, Fern, Begonia

     If you're looking for instant impact, think INSIDE the container. Planted containers that complement your home's design add interest and immediate beauty. Plants near an entrance frame the door and say "welcome". When selecting containers, it's important to think of tone, texture and colors that will work best with the architectural style of your home. Remember that larger containers give you greater planting space and make a more dramatic impact than several smaller containers. In addition, larger containers hold moisture better during Augusta's long, hot summers.
     

     Boxwoods and conifers such as Lemon Cypress and Arborvitae are good options for your larger container's focal point. These shrubs are also available as topiaries. Depending on whether your entrance is shaded or sunny, you will need to under-plant with carefully chosen plants to keep the container looking fresh year- round. There are many varieties of trailing plants such as ivy and Creeping Jenny that stay green- or chartruse- yearlong. You can add color or simply white for contrast using trailing annuals such as Million Bells, Diascia or Nemesia as well as Diamond Frost. Other plants that work well for under-planting include Coleus, Angelonia, Lantana, Scaevola, Potato Vine, and Blue Daze. 


     Shade containers are magnificent with mixed textures such as a combination of ferns, Cast Iron plant, ivy and caladiums. 



Contact Info
Ashley Patterson
706.284.0306
ashley.patterson@comcast.net








Blessings from the Garden. 
ML

Thrill, Fill & Spill...

Dallas Arboretum, 2010

Banana as Thriller

This month's garden talks are about Pots, Pools & Pedicures. Several people have expressed curiosity on Facebook and email...What the heck?

Well, I am getting you ready for spring, and infusing your mind with inspiration...
First, pots.

When planting a pot or container for a large area or any area consider the following:

THRILLERS
These are bold plants that are a focal point in the pot. Examples: lorapetalum (above in tree form) and banana (below).

FILLERS
Mounding plants such as coleus, lantana, begonias, dusty miller. Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost' is my favorite.

SPILLERS
The first pot in this post has a good example of a spiller- blackie sweet potato vine.
Other good choices are bacopas, creeping jenny, and persian shield  

 Blessings from the Garden. 
ML