Oh Me, Oh My, Container Design!

A frost in April and even some snow… Well, I think it’s safe to say everyone is anticipating warm, summer nights, and I am especially looking forward to all the container designing. Adding a container to the garden can be one of the most expressive additions to a design and one that should not be over looked. I will provide some helpful design tips and mention a small selection of plants that should be considered for this summer.
The best time to plant annuals is May 1. That being said, not every container needs to be filled with just annuals. Perennials, shrubs and trees can all add a zest and size that an annual might not (and they’ll come back year to year). Hostas and ferns are particularly enjoyable in shade containers, whether they are stand alone in a glazed pot, or mixed with other perennials or annuals.
For large containers, keep in mind that scale and proportion play a pivotal role in relationship to the surrounding environment and within the container itself. A large container usually needs a larger element to balance, however if it is a large slender piece of pottery, balance is achieved with a small to medium sized planting and sometimes with nothing at all. Remember, the overall design of the container, including placement, is also contextual.
Maintenance and plant selection will influence how well the containers look and if the plants will thrive. Use plants that require similar cultural requirements such as vinca and portulalca for drought conditions or torenia and begonia for shade. Try adding some texture in a full sun container with a variety of Mexican Feather Grass (Nasella sp.) called Pony Tails or add a Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica) for a tropical feel in a shade container. Foliage can have just as much of a presence as flowers can!
Herbs are also a wonderful element to add to any design. Cape Shore Gardens carries a wonderful array of topiary herbs such as rosemary, lavender and bay laurel. All these plants help keep insects away – place them where you can enjoy their fragrance and insect repelling qualities! I’ve always enjoyed the dainty flowers of Chamomile in mixed containers. They’re like miniature daisies, and the fine textured foliage is a useful contrast.
Cape Shore Gardens, located at 1028 Rt. 9 S., Cape May Court House, carries a unique selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that can be perfect for any container. A garden staff member can assist you in design and plant selection. We also offer in-house planting for a container you buy from us or bring from home. We will have annuals by the first week in May! Don’t delay! Call (609) 465-5161 for more information.
Written by Lauren Popper, horticulturist at Cape Shore Gardens and graduate of Temple University’s School of Environmental Design.