With the Lantana patio tree now planted and positioned in the sunny corner of the space, host Maureen Gilmer turns her attention to the medieval Byzantine-style trough planter (figure A), which will occupy the space immediately beneath the window . A variation of the window box concept, the planter will be filled with an assortment of eye-catching plants, each with unique foliage for maximum visual effect.
- Before adding the plants, Gilmer checks to make sure the bottom of the planter has enough openings (figure B) to ensure adequate drainage. To further facilitate drainage, she lines the bottom of the planter with a layer of small rocks (figure C), gathered from another area of the property.
- With the rock layer in place, Gilmer adds a thin layer of potting soil to the planter (figure D), then sets to work positioning the plants in place.
Expert Tip (Bart O'Brien, horticulturist): There are many different choices of potting materials. If you have water-loving plants, you'll want a heavier mix, usually with a lot of organic material in it to hold the water. If you're growing cacti and / or succulents, you'll want a sandier mix with some pumice or similar material so it will drain faster and more efficiently.
- On the end of the planter that will be closer to the sunnier side of the area, Gilmer plants Golden Sword Yucca (Yucca filamentosa 'Golden Sword'), shown in figure E, followed by variegated liriope, a hardy plant that will thrive in a wide variety of conditions.
Note: Liriope refers to any evergreen, grass-like perennial. The liriope variety featured here is Golden Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'), which is followed by Palace Purple Coral Bells (Heuchera mirantha 'Palace Purple'), shown in figure F. The foliage of this richly-colored plant creates a wonderful contrast next to its bright, lighter-hued neighbors.
- To break up the "window box look," Gilmer adds a Pony Tail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers') at the end of the row, adding not only height but wonderful texture as well.
Note: Always plant with two to three inches of "freeboard" -- exposed rim -- around the top of the container. This will prevent water from running back over the sides of the planter before it has a chance to be absorbed by the soil.
- Two supporting feet that serve as a base for the planter (and allow drainage to exit through the bottom) have already been set in place. With the planter filled, Gilmer and the crew now set it in position atop the feet (figure G), completing the handsome "window box" effect (figure H).
- As she prepares to plant and place the remaining containers, Gilmer again emphasizes the importance of sufficient drainage and offers two additional suggestions on achieiving it:
1) Look for containers like the glazed pot in figure I that feature drainage holes not only in the bottom, but on the side as well. 2) If using a non-conventional container for planting, create drainage holes before planting to allow excess water to pass through. For the bucket shown here, Gilmer uses a sturdy drill with a bit designed for metal to create the openings (figure J). (Note: As always, wear safety glasses and take the necessary precautions when using drills or other power tools.)
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
Glazed Ceramic Pots
Model: 8300-03-GG and 8301-03-GG
Style: Olbia (21.5"W x 25.5"H) #8300-03-GG
Style: Esmeralda (21.5"W x 16"H) #8301-03-GG
Campania International
Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215-538-1106
Website: www.campaniainternational.com
Byzantine Trough Planter with Risers
Model: 1010 (EM)
40"L x 10"W x 15"H (model #1010)
Campania International
Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215-538-1106
Website: www.campaniainternational.com
GUESTS :
Bart O'Brien
Director of Horticulture, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens
E-mail: bart.obrien@cgu.edu
Website: www.rsabg.org
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