Here in King, summer arrives with a lot of sun, turning our landscapes into colorful displays. But as the temperatures climb higher, even the most devoted gardeners can find themselves wilting like a parched plant. This is the season of the container garden – our secret weapon to beat the summer heat.
The versatility of potted plants is something to be appreciated. A stunning collection of flowering baskets, their blossoms cascading in a variety of colors, will effortlessly grace your outdoor spaces on a perfect 75-degree day. When the sun is beating down with intensity to crisp everything, simply whisk the container away to a shadier, more sheltered spot. This ability to curate your garden’s environment continuously is the ultimate luxury for the plant parent.
And it’s not just about escaping the heat. A moveable garden allows you to play with design, moving your plants to wherever you’re entertaining, a dappled shade patio for brunch or a softly lit deck for evening cocktails.
If you are interested in elevating your container game we’ve cultivated some inspired ideas to get you started.
The All-Season Pot: A Container for Every Moment
Look beyond the seasonal beauty of summer annuals and embrace a container that offers year-round interest. Start with a statement evergreen as your “thriller” – a dwarf Alberta spruce or other vertical spire grower. For your “filler,” consider the idea of rotating seasonal plants, or add the texture of ornamental grasses. Finally, let a “spiller” like trailing vinca or a sedum cascade over the edge. As the seasons change, simply swap out a few accent plants – pansies in the spring, coleus in the summer, and ornamental kale in the fall – for a constantly evolving masterpiece.
The Oasis: Your Own Container Bog Garden
For something more interesting yet bizarre, a container bog is a fun project. These self-contained wetlands are usually created as a home to carnivorous plants and work as conversation starters at gatherings. Select a watertight container – a glazed ceramic pot or a repurposed galvanized tub works wonderfully. The key is a soil mixture devoid of nutrients, typically a blend of peat moss and sand. You can fill with pitcher plants (Sarracenia), with their elegant, insect-trapping funnels, and the glistening sundews (Drosera). Top with a layer of live moss to retain moisture and create a finished look. These plants prefer rainwater or distilled water, as the plants can be sensitive to the minerals in tap water.
The Zen Masterpiece: A Bonsai Novelty Forest
While this one may take the most skill, it allows you to capture the aesthetic of an ancient forest in creating a miniature bonsai grouping. This is more than just planting a few small trees; it’s about creating a harmonious and evocative, convincing, landscape. Select several young trees of the same species, such as Japanese maples or junipers, in varying heights. An odd number of trees often creates a more natural and visually pleasing composition. Plant them in a shallow, wide bonsai pot, carefully arranging them to create a sense of depth and perspective. The tallest tree, your focal point, should be placed slightly off-center. With meticulous pruning and wiring, you can sculpt your miniature forest into a living work of art that will bring a sense of creativity to any space, indoors or out.
The Unexpected Harvest: Citrus in Carolina
Yes, you can grow your own luscious lemons, limes, and kumquats right here in North Carolina! The secret to cultivating citrus outside of its natural growing zone is, you guessed it, a container. Choose a dwarf variety, such as a Meyer lemon or a Bearss lime, and plant it in a large, well-draining pot with a quality citrus-formulated potting mix. Give your citrus tree a place of honor on your sunniest patio during the summer months, providing it with at least eight hours of direct sunlight. As winter’s chill approaches, it can be moved indoors to a bright, south-facing window, allowing you to enjoy its fragrant blossoms and ripening fruit throughout the colder months. Imagine the delight of plucking a fresh lemon for your tea in the middle of January! These do well with supplemental grow lights in the winter to extend the growing season.
This summer, think beyond the outdoor garden bed and embrace the adaptable world of container gardening. These are just a few ideas to get you going. From vibrant floral displays to more unique collections, the possibilities are really as boundless as your imagination. Sometimes it’s nice to stop for a minute and think about how you can curate the perfect potted paradise for your lifestyle.