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Containers can be used in small gardens to extend the growing space and the growing season. A small backyard may consist of nothing more than a patio and 10 feet of grass. However, the growing space is extended by growing container plants on the patio. A wide variety of plants thrive when grown in containers, partly because they are not exposed to many of the pests in the ground. Here are some ideas for different container garden designs in a small backyard.

One part of a sunny patio or backyard can be designed to create a lovely retreat for relaxation, such as a fragrant rose garden with a lounge chair for reading or listening to music. The roses can be a mixture of colors or be themed to coordinate with other decor. Roses grow well in deep containers with room for root growth. For added visual beauty, climbing roses can be trellised (in containers) behind the rose bushes, along with leafy green plants interspersed among the trellised roses, to "section off" that area of the yard as a rose garden. A pretty bird bath would give a finishing touch.

Another part of the small backyard could be designated for the kitchen garden. Fruits and vegetables which grow well in containers are tomatoes,lettuce, potatoes, onions, garlic, scallions, peppers, pole beans, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, yams, peas, carrots, cucumbers, and quite a few more. Some of the fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, can be very prolific if trellised.

Herbs such as mint, parsley, marjoram, and thyme can be easily nurtured. Herbs have a pleasant fragrance as well as being an attractive addition to the garden. They can grow in any unusual containers which the gardener may have. A display of different and unusual containers adds an element of interest to the herb garden. Some of the plants may be trellised while others are allowed to trail down to the ground.

If the yard is sunny, then dwarf fruit trees are another possibility. A dwarf fruit tree usually grows from 4 to 10 feet tall. Some of the trees will grow taller if not pruned once a year. The fruit is just as delicious as from the larger trees. Most dwarf trees will produce an abundant supply of fruit if kept fertilized and watered in a large container. Some varieties of trees need 2 of the same kind for cross-pollination. The local garden center can recommend varieties for your particular climate and growing conditions. Some of the fruits which could be part of your mini-orchard are apples, pears, figs, cherries, plums, and peaches.

For avid gardeners who do not mind the prickly thorns, a cactus garden will thrive in containers. Cacti are available in several colors and shapes. They will flower if the soil is allowed to get dry before the next weekly watering. Several different cactus plants of various sizes and colors can be placed in the same container for a lovely accent. Placing a few small succulents among the cacti will soften their spiked appearance.

Gardeners who desire some privacy from the neighbors can plant hedges in containers. Taller hedges can be placed along the property line to block the view and smaller bushes can be used as a border between different gardens in the backyard.

There are many possibilities with container gardens. A small backyard can be as lovely as a botanical garden.

Learn more about this author, Diane Perez.
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