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

Porches on Parade...final days!

There are 3 days left in the Porches on Parade Contest. It's been close and the porch in 3rd place is gaining on the other two!

Like watching the Wimbledon...on the edge of my seat!



I'll announce the winner on Saturday morning here at MLCHgarden.com. The winning porch designer will recieve an MLCHgarden Christmas wreath for her front door or special indoor spot.



Here is the link, so VOTE!
Poll is on right side bar of website...


Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Fall Porches on Parade Wrap Up...

Magnificent Maria














Sassy Sasser



Ok, this is where the fun starts.
The "winner" of the Fall Porches on Parade contest will receive a fresh custom made MLCHgarden full & fluffy Christmas Wreath for her front door/mantle.


Vote for your favorite decorator at the "poll" located on the right side bar of this website!!!













Beckoning Brown





Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Porches on Parade contest...

Impressive entries in the "Porches on Parade" contest. So far porches have been so individual and creative! Here is another from Maria in Augusta.

Maria loves the simplicity of her porch. She recently re-finished the door a rich warm dark brown which complements the fall decor.

Great job, Maria and thanks for sharing.
Remember, one front door will be adorned with an MLCHgarden full & fluffy Christmas Wreath valued at $80 (with a bow!).

Blessings from the Garden
ML

Porches on Parade

Well, here's one porch entry from Ginger in Columbia County...WOW!

Looks like a Better Homes & Gardens set up, huh?!

Ginger likes growing topiaries near the front door step year round for color. Here she has showcased the colorful mums tucked in with real and faux pumpkins. Her sweet hubby has had to scoop pump remains off the porch too many times, thus the faux pumpkins! Being an artist and a southern girl, Ginger painted her monogram on the creamy faux pump complementing the moss covered "B" on the front door. Fall is Ginger's favorite time of the year, no doubt!

I'll be showcasing more "Porches on Parade" in the next two weeks. Remember, there is a MLCHgarden custom fluffy Christmas Wreath at stake here. Delivered. So get busy, send me a pic. I need some spooky stuff, too!

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Porches on Parade

Even though it's still a bit warm, it's time to prepare for fall. Sprucing up the outside of the house early gets me in the mood for entertaining and a jump on the upcoming holidays...


I thought it would be fun to showcase front doors and porches dressed up for fall.
What the heck? We will make it a contest!

The winner will recieve a MLCHgarden fresh Christmas Wreath for her front door!

Get your camera ready, pull out those fall decorations- can be Halloween or not, and email them to me or post as comment on MLCHgarden.




How to get started?
Use lights, greenery from your yard, pull out some urns, pots, baskets(see above).
Don't forget PUMPKINS, funky squash, scarecrows, crows, spiderweb, just let your imagination run wild...

Deadline for the contest is October 22nd. Send me pics...