Planters R' Us...

Beautiful Planter at a very special place, St. Louis Soldiers Memorial

I never cared for the term "Container Gardening." I have grown plants in used buckets, used milk jugs, plastic pots, glasses from the sink, and even a old pumpkin! Container gardening is a very broad spectrum of gardening. Planters are kind of a specialty within container gardening, and I would simply describe it as planting in containers that are decorative.

Atrium Planting: Grand Ole Opry

Growing in planters is a great way to soften areas like driveways and patios, or break up a blank wall suck as a garage door or perhaps a bare brick wall. Planters can usually be moved if necessary, and because they are typically higher than a ground level garden, they are great for people with disabilities or those of us with bad backs.

One important thing to remember with planters is drainage is very important. A planter can quickly become a fishbowl without the existence of good drainage. I typically fill the bottom half or so of my planter with gravel or broken up Styrofoam, then a layer of fabric, then around six to eight inches of soil on top of the fabric for planting. This helps keep the soil from washing into the drainage hole and cloging it up.

Planters can go anywhere!

Another benefit of planter gardening is you get to adjust the soil in many ways. I use the cheapest potting soil mix from local hardware stores. I mix in a little bit of clay kitty litter (the non-clumping kind,) unused of course, as this helps keep the soil moist and keeps the soil broken up as well. I also add Hydro-Gel. Hydro-gel is typically only found at specialty stores, they are small crystals that hold moisture ten times their weight. If you can find it it will hold moisture in the soil for those days you are a little late watering your garden.

Classic style Container with modern planting.

Any gardener will tell you those little cards that come with plants that read "Space 12 inches apart" are not reliable. I always half the amount on tags when planting, if it says twelve inch spacing, I use six inch spacing. When planting planters I plant even tighter for an immediate effect. It also depends on the planter itself, is the planter itself beautiful? It would be a shame to hide it with plants that quickly spill over the sides. Or is your planter dull and maybe even damaged? Thick growing plants that hang around might solve that problem!

Beautiful planting with the beautiful container peeking out for interest. Missouri Botanical Garden

I have seen a lot of different arrangements for pots. The simplest is something tall in the center. I have had good luck with Purple Fountain Grass, Elephant ears, Taro, Cannas, Millet, and even indoor plants such as Crotons and Dracenas! If your a fan of vegetables, maybe a tomato plant will bring your kitchen some joy! Follow your center piece with some fillers, such as begonias, zinnias, or any upright plant that will fit your planting location. The outer edge of your planter should be saved for your spill over varieties. Fill this edge with Wave petunias, Sweet potato vine, or any time of trailing plant. If your container is beautiful and of interest, maybe only plant a few trailing plants so your container can peak through the foliage.

Watering is the next step to a successful planter. Fertilizer is also an important step. Organic fertilizers once a month with really get your container growing. Osmocote, or any slow release fertilizer is another great addition, but it must be added to the soil prior to planting.

Two very sterile brick posts flanking an entrance, softened by these beautiful Planters.
Grand Ole Opry, TN.

Container gardening is so easy I am always surprised I do not see more of it in my neighborhood. It feels good to drive up to my home and see a planter and stand out from the rest of the neighbors. I hope you get a chance to experience container gardening as it is a gardening specialty all its own. Happy gardening!

Tree of the Month...

Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra photo copyright Missouri Botanical Garden

July is here, and if we didn't have a calender to assure us, the temperatures are a sure sign. The next few months will be hard on our gardens, but there are some plants that love this weather. Lots of my favorite trees are bottom land and river bank trees. These trees will often tolerate some drought when established, but one of my favorite performers is the Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra.)

Red Oaks are a Missouri Native, and plentiful throughout the state. They usually grow upwards of seventy five feet, and need lots of room to grow. Northern Red oaks are not the fastest growing of the oaks, but in just a few short years it will surprise many gardeners by its size. Remember this tree does have acorns, so sidewalks and driveways may not be the best place to plant this tree, unless you prefer to walk on natures marbles. Acorns are also a staple for many creatures, so if you love wildlife, this will be sure to bring it.

Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) acorn photo copyright: Missouri Botanical Garden

Another thing about oaks that is fun is their ability to reproduce. Acorns can be found sprouting underneath trees in Mid-spring and can be transplanted easily. I recently attended a presentation on Oaks, and learned that acorn viability is tested by "Floating." The process is just as it is named, acorns that float have been hallowed out by weevils and are not viable, and ones that sink are perfect for planting!

Northern Red Oak is beautiful year round. It has a beautiful form in the Summer, with its dark green leaves and artistic branch structure. In the spring it reveals a tinge of red on the leaves, and the fall show is spectacular, with yellows, oranges, and reds in every shade imaginable. Oaks typically hold on to some leaves through the winter, so these trees catch snow and are beautiful in the winter.

Northern Red Oak Quercus rubra photo copyright:Missouri Botanical Garden

So if your anything like me, you are looking past Summer and planning your fall tree planting, and the Northern Red Oak is one on the top of my list! Stay cool and Happy Gardening!