How do you use containers in your garden? A group of gardening friends recently discussed the pros and cons of containers. Some felt they would have fewer this year in order to spend time on other garden efforts. Succulents as easy care container plants were mentioned, an idea with which I am totally in agreement. Drip systems on timers were discussed, as was leaving clusters of small, beautiful pots empty. All good ideas! It got me to wondering how many containers I have tucked in around here...so I went out to count. Twice. Because I was pretty sure I must be wrong the first time. Seems like the number of containers is one more thing that has somehow slipped out of control. 122. If you count the succulent fountain and 3-tiered strawberry planter as one each.
And don't count empty pots waiting for summer plants or simply being used as decor.
Or the pots with seedlings that were recently potted up to await in-ground placement in the garden. Or the 2 nursery pots being used to grow potatoes. Those were just not good enough looking to count.
Many are small pots with one succulent, the only thing that will survive here in the summer in a small pot. I like the look of some of the prettier succulents when they are shown off by themselves. I have a number of succulent combination containers, too, but since they need to be moved under cover for the winter I appreciate there not being so many big heavy pots. Right now there are a few small pots with pansies as well as several larger containers with daffodils just finishing up.
I really like being able to pop a pot into a spot that needs some interest without committing to a permanent planting. Some of those large containers are used in the summer for peppers and eggplant, both of which do well being situated in sunny spots that don't lend themselves to permanent garden beds.
The pots all serve a purpose and, if a little thought is given to where you place them, pots can be very easy to maintain. Morning sun, afternoon shade, only drought tolerant plants in small pots, grouping pots with similar water needs together, and maybe considering that drip system. I think the number is fairly reasonable after all. Oh...I hope I counted the ones on the table in back...
8 comments:
I like empty containers for color without needing care in my garden. Empty works best if they are large and appear more sculptural. I also grow trees in containers with good success. Although, I do have way less than 122 containers! xogail
Oh Leslie, how funny! I like that you are not actually counting them all, since some are not worthy! Lots of good ideas here, one pot per plant, what a concept!
I don't want to know how many I have. Every year I say I'm going to reduce the number of container plantings but fail to do so!
Oh wow. I thought it was just a problem I had. Coming from apartment living I have been trying to get all my potted things planted in the ground these last 2 years, but everytime I empty one, I fill 2 more!
Thank goodness I don't have that many, but I agree, don't count! I also use a big container as a filler, but it's more of a permanent thing because it goes on a huge tree stump that is taking forever to rot.
I don't have many containers, but there seem to be more every year. This year I am potting up a couple of caladium and more succulents.
If I found more containers that could stand being left out all winter to freeze, I would probably use more. But every container that goes out has to go back inside for the winter. I don't have nearly as many as you.
I can't lie... the thought of moving my plants--and all of those containers!--next year makes me break out in a cold sweat. It might be the worst part about moving!
By the way, that wisteria is GORGEOUS again this year! <3
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