Pots and containers can add a focal point and splash of colour to any garden, whether you want to cheer up a patio or grow plants that need to be brought inside for winter. Perhaps you only have a tiny courtyard garden and want to grow some flowers or vegetables, or you live in a flat and wish to brighten up your balcony.
Before you start, keep in mind that most pots will need watering daily in warm, dry weather, so you’re taking on a responsibility.

A group of pots can look more interesting than one large container, and will be easier to replant when the contents are past their best. You don’t need to restrict yourself to sets of matching pots – a group of old terracotta pots of different sizes has a nice rustic feel, or you can go for something altogether more unusual. Butler sinks are popular plant containers, and can be found at reclaim yards for a reasonable price. An old metal watering can, wheelbarrow or even a teapot can be transformed into an interesting container.

If you are buying clay pots, be sure to check that they are frost-proof, otherwise the glaze may crack and fall off, or the pot itself could break into pieces.

Plants suited to container gardening

Some plants are particularly well suited to living in a pot. Azalea, Camelia and other plants that prefer a certain type of soil often grow better in pots, where they can be given the nutrients they require. Acers, or Japanese Maples, always look striking. Spring bulbs are a good choice for an early splash of colour, and can be replaced with summer plants such as Busy Lizzies.

A container filled with a mixture of different types of Sempervivum, or House Leeks, makes for an interesting feature that needs little care. These hardy succulents can survive extremes of temperature and drought, and the wide range of sizes and colours can be used to create a really attractive display.

If you prefer to grow useful and edible plants, a selection of herbs in pots outside the back door will both look attractive, and provide a useful stock to turn to when cooking. If you want to be more adventurous, why not grow some fruit or vegetables? Tomatoes, aubergines, peppers and chilli plants do well in pots, and potato bags can be very successful. Blueberries are a good fruit to grow in a container as they prefer ericaceous compost.

 

We offer a full Project management service for any major projects – for more information on this service, see our Garden Design & Landscaping section.