Holiday Gift Idea for the Container Gardener

Now is the time to think about planning for next year's look for those wonderful container and garden planters. If you haven't kept a Journal this past season, now may be the time to start. With the New Year approaching, select a color Journal and start writing down those ideas for new arrangements for next season. We will pass along ideas as we receive them from our friends and customers. Merry Christmas!

Bounty for the Birds in Winter

We are always looking for a creative way to get food out to the birds during the Winter season. One project that even the children love to do is to hollow out a large apple and mix enough birdseed and peanut butter to fill the crater. Make sure that you have enough peanut butter to hold the seeds together well. To attach your apple to a tree limb or hang from a hook, just insert four nails evenly around the apple leaving enough room at the end of each nail to attach string or raffia lengths. There you have it!

Why Grow in Pots and Containers

Just a couple of reasons that I can think of to grow in pots and containers - not all plants are suited to the soil conditions in your garden or the soil in a specific place in your garden. You can have just the soil you want in your garden planter, container or urn. Have the look desired anywhere in your garden setting is just one good reason to grow with outdoor containers.

Container Growing and Holiday Turkey Dinners

It seems that cooking and gardening do go hand in hand! You can grow your own rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) for that turkey stuffing in your garden container indoors and outdoors. The miniature rosemary Christmas trees are everywhere this time of year. You can use your "tree" and decorate for the season and/or just snip off a few stems to use in your turkey stuffing. Rosemary can last many seasons; however, they will need to be moved to larger pots as they get bigger. They are tough little plants and can stand dry climate and low sunlight for a period of time. Keep them watered well. One of the easiest ways to do this is to simply place a handful of ice cubes on top of the soil. The cubes melt slowly and reduce the change of water puddles around the planter.

Quick Visit to the Garden Nursery

Even though it is late in the season, I always get inspired by a visit to the nursery. At this time of year there are so many bulbs available for forcing, colorful plants and arrangement ideas for your planters. Retrieve those garden urns and planters from the storage area and get going.

Design Principles Once Again

Color is critical with any garden container plantings. A very important aspect is to ensure that you harmonize your plants and containers with the color scheme of your home. What is your favorite combination?

Think Spring for Your Containers

Even without the very acid garden soil, you can enjoy these wonderful Azaeleas in your Garden Pot and Planters. Make sure you pot up your container with ericaceous compost first. Azaeleas come in a wide range of colors from pure white, to deep pinks and reds. Some even have a wonderful smell - doesn't that make you think Spring! Plant your Azaelea in the center of your container and surrond it with campanulas that hang over the sides. Top with your compost. After the Azaelea has finished blooming, you have the campanulas for the balance of the season.

Adding Importance to Your Arrangements

Just a simple fact - to add importance and draw attention to an average looking planter or pot arrangement, try elevating and displaying them on columns or pedestals. They take on a look of their own and brighten up any dark corner in your home or out on the patio.

Cyalamen in Your Planters During the Holiday Season

One of the most beautiful plants for your garden containers for the holidays is the Cyclamen persicum. There are a number of different variations of color from white through to pale pink to very deep pink. You may also see them in crimson, salmon and purples. They can hold their magnificant blooms for the entire season and then planted outdoors in the Spring. Make sure that you water well, provide excellent drainage and you will enjoy in your garden pots all year round.

Plant Containers Outdoors in Winter

I had a question about leaving your containers outdoors in winter planed with evergreens or small shrubs. The number one tip: the more soil in the pot the better - again start with the largest one available. The more soil in the planter, the better insulated the roots will be. Wrapping the plants will protect the from the wind, however, will not provide increased insulation. Avoid terra cotta or concrete pots, they will crack, chip and break down with the freezing and thawing over the winter months.

Create a Focal Point with Eye Catching Containers

You can easily create drama and of course an eye-catching corner of your space with planters, urns and flower pots. Place striking plants into your containers and surround with those wonderful trailers. Do you have any planting ideas that you would like to share for your planters?

How to Choose the Right Planter Pot

As a general rule, the more exotic looking your plant, the simpler your container or pot should be - show off that flower. Then, of course, your ordinary plants will stand out in a beautiful urn or planter. Look for great colors and shapes when deciding on the overall look for your garden decor.

Just a Thought for Spring Container Gardening

When you're looking through all those Seed Catalogs at this time of year, imagining what Spring will bring, think about your planters and containers too. Consider dwarf varieties of the plants you love, they are usually very very happy in your plant pots and garden urns.

Garden Urns with Topiary Towers

Place grapevine or ornamental metal topiary towers atop your matching garden urns. Then just string popcorn and cranberries to make your garlands and whirl them around your tree. You can also use your glue gun to attach pine cones, nuts and grains to your "tree". Of course, if you are very creative, place a star atop the tree and you are all set. Wow, now you have a great looking tree for the holidays.