DIY Network

Urban Container Gardens Urban Container Gardens

To continue with this "concrete oasis," Gilmer begins adding container plants to the space, approaching the use of containers with a creative flair....

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Build three-level pot tower.

1. Start with three sizes of standard terra-cotta pots. The largest pot should be sufficiently wide to allow for the other pots to nestle in each other and have a generous border for plants.
   
2. In the large pot, place soil in the bottom and plant a dwarf English ivy.
   
3. Add licorice plant to provide light-color contrast to the dark green of the ivy. Alternate these two plants around the pot.
   
4. Fill in the spaces in between the plants with potting soil to create a platform for the next tier.
   
5. Place the second largest pot on top of the soil, and fill with vinca minor.
   
6. Bring the soil level up again in the middle pot to the allow the third pot to be set on the soil.
   
7. In the third pot, plant asparagus sprengeri, and fill in around the plants with soil.

Drill bottoms of galvanized garbage cans for drainage.
Using a drill bit suited for metal, drill numerous holes in the bottoms of the cans to allow for adequate drainage. Be sure to wear safety glasses while drilling.

Plant the first container.
Place lilac in the can first because since it's is the tallest and takes up the most amount of space. Position it near the back of the container, then plant the Lantana sellowiana in front. Finally, add the third plant: the sun-stripe pampas grass, which should be planted next to the lantana.

Plant the second galvanized container.
Begin with the yellow flowering maple, filling the container high with soil to allow the tree to stand high within the container. Then add leather ferns around the base of the maple.

RESOURCES :

Corrugated metal containers
JaniSan
Phone: 1-888-JANISAN
Website: www.janisan.com

Potting soil
Whitney Farms
Phone: 1-800-531-4411
Website: www.whitneyfarms.com

Maureen Gilmer, Horticulturalist & Author
Website: www.moplants.com

Suggested books/design software:
Gaining Ground by Maureen Gilmer
The Budget Gardener by Maureen Gilmer
Maureen Gilmer's Garden Maker Software

GUESTS :

Nicholas Staddon
Azusa, CA
Website: www.monrovia.com

Gary Jones
Nurseryman / Horticulturist
Armstrong Nurseries
Glendora, CA
E-mail: gjones@armstronggarden.com
Website: www.armstronggarden.com