Time to Pot Up Plants for Spring and Summer Color

Potted plants can add color and punch to porches, decks and along paths.  I also like to use potted pots as a focal point for garden areas that are past their seasonal prime.

Unfortunately, what I mostly see when I am out and about is an odd assortment of small, mismatched, weedy pots that seem to speak of neglect rather than welcome.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your efforts:

• One large container adds more visual impact than several small pots.
• Pick a container that will coordinate with the plants and environment you place them in.  I like to use black, dark blue and red pots.  For the whimsical and thrifty gardener, you can re-use chimney flues, tires and of course the kitchen sink.  Just make sure it makes sense with your home and garden. 
• Use potting soil! Using soil from your garden is a sure way to transfer weeds to your brand new planting.  Potting soil is made specifically to retain water and often has a slow-release fertilizer to help your plants thrive.
• Pick the right plants for the right spot.  Plants that thrive in sun should be placed in a sunny spot while shade plants do best with shade or at least afternoon shade.  Read the plant tag.  Most of the information you need to know is on that little piece of plastic!
• If you plan to add more than one plant to a pot make sure they have the same water and sun needs.  Fuchsia and cactus have different water and exposure needs…not a good combination!
• Try to limit yourself to three different plants per pot.  I usually pick one large plant with interesting leaves, a second plant that has colorful flowers and then add a plant that drapes over the edge.  Or simply plant multiples of the same plant.
• Water! Water! Water!  Potted plants dry out quickly – especially in sunny spots.  It’s not unusual to water a pot once a day during the hot season.

Plants in pots are a fantastic way to liven up important transitional areas of your home and garden. Visit your nursery today!

Bay-Friendly Garden Tour

If, like me, you have an interest in sustainable landscape, i.e. using less water and herbicides, then this tour is for you. 

Bay-Friendly Coalition is orangizing this year's Bay-Friendly Tour in Alameda, Napa and Santa Clara counties.  Stroll around these landscape and see what is possible!

Go to http://www.bayfriendlycoalition.org/GardenTour.shtml to register online and receive a garden guide with directions for only $10.00.