The flexibility of container gardens is endless. If you live in a condo or detached home on a lot, or an apartment, containers can be fitted in for every situation. You have variety in size to mobility to attractive displays. Perennials, annuals, herbs, bulbs, vegetables, some shrubs can be grown in containers. Almost anything can be used for containers as long as it holds soil. Store bought, hand made of wood or other materials, hanging wire baskets and pots, brick, concrete, along with organic rustic designs are some of available selections. I have a formula for lighter concrete planters with a peat moss mix to reduce weight. I prefer hand made of wood that has that rustic appeal, but glazed containers are equally beautiful. For glazed containers don’t fill the containers with soil because in the winter it can split when the soil freezes and expands, use a pot liner that fits loosely inside and all your planters should have drain holes. Also an advantage is planters can be tactfully placed to brighten up locations that are decked, bricked or concreted in.

Perennials if grown in small containers will winter kill, however I’ve had dianthus survive in large pots 24 inches in diameter and 14inches deep. I did dump water and snow on them throughout the winter. Go ahead and experiment with any variety of plants but with those you treasure most move them to a flower bed several weeks before freeze up. Use good screened potting soil, store bought, to avoid weed growth. If you use your own soil then bake it in an oven for an hour. That will destroy weed seeds and live roots. Chickweed tends to thrive most anywhere.

Suitable annuals for containers are lobelia, nasturtiums, geraniums, petunias, fuchsia, alysium, begonia, coleus, dianthus which will drape over the edge and cascade down. With perennials, for-get- me-nots, creeping jenny, fleece flower, vinca, sedium, liatris, lamium, aster, rock candytuft, cat mint, hens&chicks and soapwort are all suitable container varieties. Once you get started I’m sure you’ll have success with others that I haven’t mentioned.

Happy gardening

H. Kriaski