Potted Gardens

Whether you use pots as a feature, such as the one above, or because you enjoy them, or because you lack the space, a potted garden can work very well in most settings.   Here are a few examples of how effectively pots can be used:

an array or small shrubs and annuals in terracotta pots, gathered together for impact

another feature pot, with ground cover trailing over it's sides

giant pots with lollipops and hedged shrubs, placed along a wall

lavender in urns on pedestals

all in a neat row .... terracotta pots with conifers

just remember that pots require feeding and more regular watering.

For previous posts on Potted Gardens click here

Pictures:  Gena D Images

8 easy steps to Growing Herbs in Pots

Growing your own herbs (and vegetables) is an ever increasing interest across the world, whether for heatlh reasons, ecological reasons, or other. Let's face it, it's fun, resourceful and certainly therapeutic.....

I have previously posted an in depth article on growing your own herbs and vegetables (see links below) as well as other related articles on ways to do this effectively within the space you have. So do take a look at these posts again to refresh your mind on the various ways this simple, yet fun, task can be handled.

Effectively, you do not really need much space, especially to grow herbs (and even some of the smaller veggies such as lettuce, spinach and even lemons, for example). All you need is good soil, you need to water regularly, feed ocassionally and voila ... you can pick, and pick and pick, as you need, to concoct your own healthy salads, and other delicious meals, which somehow just taste that much better when grown in your own space and picked, with your own hands!!!

So onto growing herbs in pots.... this is an ideal solution for those with limited garden space, or like me, where the vegetable patch is just too far from the kitchen. So as we "speak" I am busy setting up a number of pots in a courtyard near our kitchen so that I can quickly pop out the door, and pick what I need, as I need it. OK, what is required for this simple task?

1. Firstly, and this is very important, find a suitable spot - you must have good light and at least 4-6 hours of "direct" sunlight, preferably not late afternoon (west) sun, which is just too harsh - if you have no option, then ensure that your herbs are watered daily, and try to position the pots in a way that they are semi sheltered by surrounding shrubs and trees to limit the direct afternoon sun.
2. Pots - a few large/ wide pots - what is important is the diameter of the pot rather than the height. If you cannot find wide (shorter) pots, then opt for smaller ones but then you will need more of them (it really depends on how many herbs and to what level you want to take this to). TIP: If you are a novice start with a few basic (and easy to grow) herbs - parsley, mint, oregano, basil, rocket, thyme, for example.
3. Soil - good quality potting soil and compost (mix the two - I prefer more compost than potting soil).
4. Herbs - the herbs you wish to plant - here, just remember that if the pot is wide you can plant more than one, or one type. Thyme for example creeps, so is perfect as a "groundcover" (which keeps the soil moist). Marjoram and some types of oregano are also good, another option is strawberries. Just do a bit of reserach first, see what you like and what is available. TIP: I always recommend you start with the herbs you know, you enjoy and will use. You can always add on more as time goes by.
5. Planting - plant the herbs - allowing a decent enough space for each to spread out and grow. For example, a larger bushier type in the centre (or back if placed against a wall, for example), such as basil, surrounded by parsley or thyme or marjoram or even chives....
6. Fertilise - add a sprinkling of good quality fertiliser, preferably organic types.
7. Water - water well. Regular watering is of course, the "secret". I always like to water any new seedlings lightly twice a day (if possible) morning and afternoon, for the first two weeks, therafter you revert to watering as needed. TIP: Always use the finger test i.e. push your forefinger into the soil, if evidently damp, don't water, if dry, water - use your discretion. Also bear in mind that pots in windy passageways and/ or in (west) afternoon sun, need MORE watering.
8. Picking - after about 2-3 weeks your herbs will be flourishing abundantly and you can pick to your hearts content. TIP: that the more you pick the more they produce, and also avoid the herb flowering too early - worst cuplrits in my mind are basil, rocket and some parsleys amongst others. Once they flower (=seed) they stop producing good quality leaves, so as flowers appear I nip them off. Also nipping the top growth means your herbs will bush out (= more leaves which is good) and not gain height (= less leaves, not good).

Of course, have fun whilst doing this and don't forget the sunscreen!!

The pics have been taken on my "trips" around gardens in Johannesburg, and are some great examples of potted herb gardens .....

Let me know how you fare.

Gena A lemon tree in a pot (this has to be a larger pot) surrounded by annuals and creeping herbs.

Links to previous posts on this subject:

Original post on setting up a herb & vegetable garden - click here

Also look through TAGS and select "growing herbs and vegetables" or click here to take you to all articles in this category.

Picture Credits: Gena D Photography

Formal Gardens

Formal Gardens can be defined by straight lines, lots of symmetry, neatened edges, mass, simple planting and/ or loads of hedges.

As with most things, you either like the look of a formal garden or not ......I like to think that most pople love the look of formal gardems, but battle to implement or maintain the look themselves - after all, formality by it's nature, requires a lot more attention to keep it looking good.

Personally I like to take the benefits of formal gardens, the neatness, the simplicty, the straight lines and incorporate it with a "looser" garden design, so in effect, even if it includes hedging, the hedging will be more relaxed as opposed to the severe clipping seen in these pictures, above.

And remember that you can still have a formal look with pots - it's all about the plants you choose, how you group them and then just ensuring that you keep the look neat by the odd clipping here and there.
Picture credits: Better Homes and Gardens Gallery

Using Pots to Great Effect (1)

A potted Iceberg Rose in terracotta pot.

Picture: Gena D Photography shot on location, Irene.

Using pots is a great way to add interest to your entrance, patio, courtyard, a secluded corner or passageway. I have touched on this topic briefly in a number of other garden articles on this blog, but today will cover this in a little more detail.

Pots work can work very well, especially when used as features and focal points (the grander and larger the pot, the greater the impact) or when massed together in a group i.e. in the same colour or style or made from the same material, such as terracotta, always makes a great impression, more so, when planted with the same plant - see example below.

Of course pots are fantastic for those with very small garden spaces, and they work very well for growing herbs and vegetables (and I will touch on this in more detail in a future post).Even succulents do well in pots (see pic above) - just remember to water according to the specific plant's requirements.

But, like everything, pots do have their negative aspects, in particular needing more frequent watering, especially in the hotter/ drier months. It may be a good idea to add some form of vermiculite (speak to your local nursery) to the soil - in the right quantities of course, to assist in retaining moisture in the soil for a longer period. Over time you will assess how much is too much/ too little - a good way is to use the simple "finger test" - lightly press you finger into the soil - if it's damp, no need to water, if the soil is bone dry or you need to press deeper to establish moisture - then the pot needs watering.

When choosing plants for your pots, also, always bear in mind, where you wish to place the pot taking into account the actual plant's light/ sun requirements. As for the rest, quite simply you treat your potted plants with the same respect and care as the rest of your garden, you feed, add compost, mulch, water etc. etc. etc. as may be required...

Pictures: Gena D Photography