Even the best-landscaped properties have at least one area that just can't be enhanced with plants, right? Wrong! Here, host Maureen Gilmer proves that misconception false as she takes on a small, asphalt parking area (figure A) and sets out to transform it into a cozy, potted garden with a variety of gorgeous potted plants. Materials: Pots of choice (large)
Potting soil
Foam peanuts (for drainage)
Pea gravel (ground treatment)
Pebbles (for drainage)
Trellis
Plant material (see list)
Indoor/outdoor carpet
Bistro table and chairs Tools: Standard gardening tools
Shovel
Iron rake
Garden hose/water wand
On a difficulty scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, Gilmer rates this project a "2" for most intermediate do-it-yourselfers. Total time required will be about 10 hours for a space about the size of the one featured here. - Though it might be tempting to run out and buy all the exquisite plants you can find, Gilmer explains that choosing the containers should actually come first. This will allow pots to be selected based on their suitability with the space, indicating what sizes / types of plants will be appropriate.
- For this particular project, Gilmer chooses plant material native to the southern region of the U.S. (figure B). As always, however, plant material should be selected based on its compatibility with the climate where it will be planted.
- After using landscape design software and a digital photo of the unadorned space to experiment with various elements and preview the final results (figure C), Gilmer is ready to get started.
- Once the area has been cleared of all debris and thoroughly swept, she reviews the placement of the various containers and determines which plants are best suited to which pots.
- A number of smaller accent plants (figure D) will be grouped in a large, stone trough-style planter that will accent the area directly below the window. Others will be placed in individual pots and and used as accents in various areas. Varieties will include a mix of bright annuals (to be changed out each season) and lively perennials.
Expert Note (Melinda Taylor, garden designer): Perennials and annuals, besides being different types of plants, usually have different purposes in landscape and garden design as well. Annuals are generally used for providing color in specific areas at specific points in the year, while perennials are valued for their overall plant qualities as well as for the color of their blooms. - Basic terra cotta pots (figure E) are almost always a good choice for basic planting, but the plants they contain should be watered frequently enough to ensure the porous consistency doesn't dry out the soil.
While it's easy to find pots and planters in just about any color or style (figure F), be sure to take into consideration what type of evironment the pots will be in and whether or not their construction is compatible with the conditions. Expert Note (Robert Smaus, garden writer): In cold climates, some of the various softer pots will crack and / or break during the winter due to repeated water absorption and subsequent freezing. - In the sunny corner of this space, Gilmer creates an elegant, classic look with a generously sized pedestal urn (figure G) planted with a leafy, sun-loving Lantana patio tree (Lantana 'Spreading Sunset') that boasts vibrant orange blooms (figure H).
RESOURCES :
Plants from Monrovia Growers
Monrovia Growers
Website: www.monrovia.com
Plants from Ball Horticultural Company
Various plant material
Ball Horticulture Company
Website: www.simplybeautifulgardens.com
Provencal Urn (large)
Model: P-1535 (CH)
20" W x 25.5"H (model # P-1535 CH)
Campania International
Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215-538-1106
Website: www.campaniainternational.com
GUESTS :
Robert Smaus
Gardening expert and author
Website: bobsgardenpath.com
Melinda Taylor
Garden Designer
Email: melinda@melindataylor.com
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