CONTAINER GARDENS

Windows are the eyes of the house, apartment or condominium looking out on the world. How we treat them is a reflection of the people who live there. On windowsills, on patios or on balconies in high rises, containers and pots of all shapes and sizes can be used to grow herbs, annuals or perennials in place of flower beds. Wooden planters or Terra cotta pots are the most pleasing to the eye and the environment. You can choose to stain, paint or decorate the containers anyway you wish as they are a statement of you.
Pots can be placed directly into the containers and can be changed quickly with the seasons. From spring bulbs and pansies to tuberous begonias to tomatoes for the summer followed by chrysanthemums in the fall and evergreen boughs for the Christmas season. The choices are only limited by your imagination.
Herbs planted in containers can be easily moved indoors for the winter in colder climates and many herbs such as mint which are invasive in the garden can have their growth controlled in a container. Container gardens on the patio can be readily changed to display plants at the peak of their blooming season.
Container gardening can be done wherever you live for little hard work and very little financial outlay. The container grown plants can be readily moved to catch longer hours of sun or to be watered by the rain.
Wooden containers can be in many shapes and sizes. Larger containers can be used to plant large shrubs or trees as accent plantings. If the container is made of cedar you may choose to let it age naturally. The plant material may be all the decoration you wish to have. Be sure to buy plant material that suits the size and style of the container.
The container will last longer if it is lined with plastic or metal. Be sure the drainage holes are open if the container is left in the rain. Having space under the container will allow air to circulate. Be sure the container is securely fastened on balconies.
My first suggestion is for herbs that can be readily grown in containers. There are herbs for teas or cooking as well as making sachets and essential oils.

Learn more about this author, Katharine Leadlay.
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