Create a Backyard Paradise in a Pot
Milwaukee, WI (PRWEB) June 11, 2014 -- Create a backyard escape with the help of container gardens. Whether gardeners are looking for a visit to the desert, an English garden or tropical paradise, a few planters can help create the mood, says gardening expert and author Melinda Myers.
“Gardeners can easily reduce their workload and increase enjoyment with a bit of planning and proper planting,” said Myers as she shared some techniques for creating several destination themes gardeners may want try out in their landscapes this season.
Select a container with drainage holes and one that mimics the color and feel of the location that is being recreated. Use troughs, stone or other containers made from neutral colors when growing succulents. The container should complement, but not overpower the simple beauty of the desert plants.
Keep things warm and natural when going for a more tropical feel. Wicker, bamboo and other natural materials work well with the lush foliage and vibrant colors of tropical plants.
Add a few terra cotta, metal and basket type containers when creating an English cottage setting. Set them on the patio, steps or in the garden to create a focal point.
Keep the plants looking good throughout the season with the proper planting mix. Look for potting mixes with good drainage and water holding abilities, like Schultz Potting Soil Plus (schultz.com). Check the label as some mixes contain enough fertilizer to last the entire season and water-retaining crystals that reduce the need to water.
Use a cactus mix that provides the perfect growing conditions for cacti and succulents. The potting mix should retain the moisture and nutrients the plants need, while providing the excellent drainage that is a must for these plants.
Plant any orchids added to a backyard tropical paradise in a potting mix designed for these plants. Use an orchid mix that has excellent drainage and aeration, yet retains the moisture and nutrients these beauties need to thrive.
Check planters daily and water thoroughly whenever the top few inches of soil are crumbly and slightly moist. Allow cacti and succulents to go a bit drier.
Mulch the soil in tropical, herb, vegetable and annual container gardens. Spread a thin layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles or twice shredded bark over the soil surface. Use fine pebbles for cacti and succulents that like things hot and dry.
And don’t forget about garden accents. A wattle fence and arbor of twigs and branches work well for an English garden setting, while a water feature can enhance a tropical paradise themed garden, and some southwest garden art can complete the desert scene gardeners are going for.
So start summer this year with a trip to the garden center. Invest in a few containers, the right potting mix and plants. Then finish by planting up the containers to create an outdoor oasis for enjoyment all season long.
Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ web site, http://www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.
Diana Paul, Melinda Myers LLC, +1 (414) 771-1888, [email protected]
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