Philadelphia Tribune - Index

Philadelphia Tribune - April Magazine - Blogger Nation - Index

34 TRIBUNE MAGAZINE APRIL 2008
DESIGN
Planting a pretty patio garden
An increasing number of people are discovering a great way to
bring out the beauty of a home is with a container garden.
According to the National Gardening Association, more than
21 million homes have discovered the joy of container gardening.
Getting the most beautiful results from potted flowers takes
a little artistry and some simple gardening know-how. Bayer
Advanced Garden Expert Lance Walheim offers these tips to
create a beautiful patio garden:
1. Establish a color theme. This is good advice for any type
of flower gardening. Try different flowers in shades of one
color or blend complementary colors such as red and violet.
For an even stronger impact, mix contrasting colors like yellow
and blue or yellow and red.
2. Mix plant forms. Use taller, more upright plants – snapdragons,
salvia or geraniums – in the middle of the pot, then
step down in size as you move toward the edges. Plant cas-
cading flowers such as sweet alyssum, violas and lobelia right
near the outside of the pot so they’ll spill over the sides.
3. Plant closely. You’ll get the best show if you pack plants
in closer than you would in the open ground.
4. Use a touch of white. White flowers can make everything
else look better, so add a few if you need an extra punch.
5. Add bold foliage. Strong foliage plants, purple fountain
grass, say, variegated English ivy or Dusty Miller, contribute
texture and make your flowerpots even more striking.
6. Group different-sized pots. The varied heights add
structure and organization to your display.
7. Make replacements as needed. If one plant or pot is finished
blooming, replace it with something that looks better.
Make the most of seasonal changes.
8. Remember to water once a day in hot weather. More
frequent watering takes nutrients from the soil, so you also
have to fertilize more often to keep plants blooming. T