Terra Cast = Trouble Free To bring the garden onto the deck, eight large planters are filled with a variety of bright blooms, flowering trees, cascading leaves and soft grasses. Since the hedges will take about three to five years to grow up around the sides of the deck, the containers will serve to soften the deck's edges and provide a modified sense of enclosure. Although the planters (figure A) look like traditional terra cotta, host Mayita Dinos explains that they're actually "terra cast," a lighter-weight material that allows them to be moved easily. In addition to their lightweight construction, Dinos also points out that many landscape professionals prefer these containers since they're UV-resistant and won't fade or crack from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. They're also available in oversized dimensions (figure B) that can accommodate five- to seven-gallon rootballs, like those of the two small trees that will provide a burst of bright color to the deck. Purple Queen Reigns Supreme For maximum visual impact, the trees chosen here are Purple Queen (R) Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea) 'Moneth' (figure C). A staple of Southern California gardens for years, this variety is quickly becoming a popular plant in the Northeast as well. Note: One point to keep in mind when including Purple Queen (R) in a garden: it won't tolerate freezing temperatures and therefore must be brought indoors in climates with cold winters. To create a lush look for the square tree planters, Dinos adds Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) around the base of the trees (figure D); using a generous number of plants ensures a full, luxuriant appearance. An added bonus: these velvety, purplish-blue flowers (figure E) will also attract hummingbirds to the deck. Since so many plants will be sharing a limited amount of soil in these containers, Dinos explains that doses of liquid fertilizer will be added to the planters on a regular basis to ensure the plants are able to thrive. Elegant Edges With the square planters complete, Dinos moves on to the six rectangular planters that will be placed along the edges of the deck. Their elongated shape provides a more efficient use of space and further defines the deck's borders. In describing the plants that will populate these containers, Dinos refers to the varieties as "tender perennials," which simply means they won't survive the winter. Using perennials in this fashion is the same concept as using annuals, says Dinos, and allows something new to be planted next season. After amending the soil with fertilizer, she begins filling the container, starting with the tallest plants in the center. The first of the height-endowed plants is English Spike Lavender (Lavandula latifolia) (figure F). Next to the lavender, she adds more Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) (remember it from the square planters?), which will eventually grow to 3' tall, though it's not yet exhibiting much height. Toward the ends of the container, Dinos adds shorter, cascading plants like Purple Lantana (Lantana montevedensis), which brings violet hues to the container's edges. This variety of lantana is used on one side of the center plantings, and Dinos uses variegated Lemon Swirl (R) Bush Lantana (Lantana camera) 'Variegata' on the opposite side. She also sandwiches a second Lemon Swirl (R) between the lavender and salvia to cascade toward the deck on the back. (Though this plant is often in bloom, Dinos points out that its fabulous foliage provides plenty of color even when it's not!) Finally, she adds more color and texture with Blue Fescue (Festuca cinera) 'Elijah Blue' by filling in the small remaining gaps with this soft, contrasting grass. As she completes the container, Dinos explains that working with a rich, loose potting soil makes it easy to squeeze plants into small spaces, which is key in achieving the full, verdant appearance of these planters (figures G and H). Soil quality tip: Buy the best potting soil you can afford, advises garden writer Robert Smaus. This is one product where you definitely get what you pay for; lesser brands may contain any number of foreign materials that are unlikely to benefit your plants. Time elapsed: 16 hours.
RESOURCES :
Plants from Monrovia Growers
Monrovia Growers
Website: www.monrovia.com
Square Terra Cast Planters
Model: QS-SQ3024P terra cotta
Outside Top: 30"x30", Height: 24", Depth: 22 5/8"
Rotonics Manufacturing, Inc.
Las Vegas, NV 89031
Email: rotocastnv@earthlink.net
Rectangular Baja Terra Cast Planters
Model: QS-BJ246022P
24" W x 60" L x 22" H
Rotonics Manufacturing, Inc.
Las Vegas, NV 89031
Email: rotocastnv@earthlink.net
Small Rolled Rim Pot and Saucer
Model: 658, 658S
Pot - 14" H x 21" W / Saucer - 15" D (model #s 658, 658s; both rust color)
Al's Garden Art, Inc.
Colton, CA 92324
Website: www.alsgardenart.com
GUESTS :
Robert Smaus
Gardening expert and author
Website: bobsgardenpath.com
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