Soon we will be looking at fully stocked garden centres offering up endless flats of all types of perennial and annual bedding plants, trees and shrubs, vegetables and herbs. While our gardens are just now starting to perk up from the long winter, before we know it the early spring perennials will be in full bloom. Now is a good time to start thinking about adding some interest and perhaps whimsy into our gardens this year.

Container gardening is the practice of growing plants in pots instead of planting them directly into the ground. Pots can come in all shapes and sizes and be made of a variety of materials – earthenware, metal, wood, plastic. Most of the plants offered up in garden centres can find their way into containers. I also like to mix it up, use purchased annuals (e.g., geraniums, dahlias, lobelia, coleus, etc..)  to which I add some newly divided perennials from my garden (e.g., hostas, heucheras). The perennials will be returned to the garden in the fall. Sometimes a dwarf evergreen or often, grasses will be the centrepiece.

What’s really exciting about container gardening is the versatility of choices it offers to the homeowner or townhouse/apartment dweller who is looking to add style to the exterior of their dwelling – on verandas, decks, patios, front walks and really anywhere else in the garden; on condo front stoops and apartment balconies, and in hanging baskets anywhere. Likewise, the placement of ‘alpine’ plants in hypertufa containers (made of rock aggregates and Portland cement) into rock gardens has become popular, as well as locating colourful pots around ponds and other garden features to add instant colour and a focal point where desired. Always consider using a cluster of pots, perhaps of varied scale and shape – so much more interesting than the lonely pot peeking out of sheltered spot.

An important point to remember about container gardening, apart from regular watering, is drainage. Pots absolutely need to have drainage holes to let water percolate down out of the soil mix or else plant roots will drown and die. If the pot is to be placed on grass or a hardscape stone or pavement area, drainage can be made directly onto that surface. I like to put a layer of small stones, like river stones, under my pots there to ensure the holes are not clogged up. If, however the pot is placed on a wood deck or veranda, best to insert a pot within a larger container and/or place the container on pebbles onto a drainage tray.

Another consideration is that plant selection will depend upon the prevailing light conditions around where the pot is to be placed. Same as in the garden, shaded pots (less than six hours of sun per day) requires shade loving plants such as fuschias, coral bells, begonias, hostas, English ivy, impatiens, begonias, etc. A sunny location will be fine for Shasta Daisies, calla lilies, geraniums, lobelias, verbenas etc.

A good potting soil mix for container gardening is one which will allows adequate drainage while providing nutrients to the plants. Its texture is especially formulated to let water trickle evenly through the mix. Putting plants in containers containing garden soil is not a good idea. It may compact too readily and prevent drainage. Compost or fish emulsion can also be added to feed the plants and optimize growth and health. Any reputable garden centre will have all of these supplies. The compost can come from our compost bins, of course.

Container gardening is also a great way of getting kids involved with gardening. Each can have their dedicated pot, grow their flowers and/or veggies from seed, and then tend to them till harvest. We all love to eat what we have grown, and kids also learn procedure, responsibility and patience.

Vegetable and herb garden containers are all the rage now. The advantage of course is that they can be placed close to the house so that harvesting is made easy and accessible and watering is simplified. Potatoes are a good plant to start as are tomatoes (both full sun).

Equally successful in pots are lettuces and herbs. There are so many to choose from and they can be placed in artistic pairings, so beauty and function are achieved. I always have better success with herbs in pots than in the open garden, especially Oregano which tends to attract insects on the ground. Having potted herbs just outside the door on the porch or deck is just so handy, no need to run down into the garden to clip a few for dinner.

Some local gardening events

The next meeting of the West Carleton Garden Club will in fact feature a talk by Master Gardener Nancy McDonald on the subject of Herbs: How to Grow, What to Grow, and Tips on How to Use. It will also feature a Spring Flower & Vegetable Show. This meeting will be held at Carp Memorial Hall, 3739 Carp Rd, Carp, on Tuesday, May 14, starting at 7:30 p.m. (Members: free of charge, Guests: $5. Refreshments and door prizes.) More info at: www.wcgc.ca

The WCGC will also be having their popular annual Plant Sale at the Carp Farmers’ market on Saturday, May 25, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is their main fundraiser. A large variety of plants from members’ gardens all over West Carleton will be on sale at low cost. This is a great way to purchase plants you know are suited to our location. Come early for best selection.

On June 25, the club will also be hosting another fundraiser, a local Garden Tour with 10 stops including a Victorian Tea, in and around Carp. Information about the garden tour will be posted on the group’s website and Facebook page when details are finalized.