Potted Perfection

Living in a townhouse or security complex with no space for lawn or a garden, or even a flat on the third floor is no excuse not to incorporate some eco-friendly decorations into your life. Potted gardens are becoming increasingly popular, even amongst people who do have enough space for a garden, as it is a lot easier to maintain than the traditional flowerbed. 

Which plants are suitable for potted gardens?

According to Craig de Necker, managing director of The Friendly Plant (Pty) Ltd, many people are under the impression that there are only a limited number of plant varieties that will survive living in pots. “This is simply not true. Pots or containers are basically mini plant beds and they can be planted with just about any plant that you can think of, from small annuals to large palm trees. Some examples of vegetables that grow well in potted gardens include tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cucumbers, beans, granadillas, strawberries, lemons, limes, kumquats, peppers and chillies.”

He also says: “herbs that work well in pots include pretty much the whole spectrum. Although many herbs are annuals, there are many like rosemary that will continue to grow for many years to come. Popular annuals include basil, coriander and parsley. Common perennial herbs include lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme and origanum.”

Bulbs, certain shrubs, ornamental grass; as well as primrose, ferns, asters, miniature roses, pansies, etc. are also suitable for potted gardens.

Tip: Keep the size of the container and how aggressively the plant grows in mind when choosing flowers for your potted garden. While you want your container garden to look full, fast growers may quickly outgrow their pots.
 

Creating a potted garden

A few easy steps to assist you in creating the perfect potted garden:

• Decide what kind of garden you want – a vegetable garden; flower garden or herb garden?
• Decide where you want to position your garden, as some pots are quite heavy and may not be as easy to move around. Keep in mind that certain plants will need more light than others.
• Choose plants that are suitable for potted gardens and the area you want to create your garden in.
• Choose the right containers. Pots are available in many shapes, colours and sizes and your decision may depend on:
• The colour of your backdrop – use light pots against a dark backdrop (and vice versa) to create a dramatic effect.
• The type and size of the plants you want to use – bigger plants will require a larger pot to grow properly.
• The theme of your surroundings – African themed pots will go well with an African theme, whilst stainless steel pots can be used to create a modern effect.
• Levels – pots can be placed on different levels and might require shorter pots for longer plants in higher areas and taller pots for plants that need a lift.
• Ensure that your potted plants are planted correctly from the start. Planting potted plants are more complex than you might think as careful structuring is needed to enable your plant to effectively absorb nutrients and water. Ask an expert before you take on this task.
   

Taking care of your garden

“Like any other plants, potted plants require watering and nutrients in order to grow to their full potential. Nutrients can be provided by adding compost and fertilizers to the soil mix, just as you would do in a normal garden,” says Craig de Necker.

Remember that potted gardens are a bit more dependant on you then flowerbed gardens, because they do not have as much exposure to natural elements. The basic routine when it comes to caring for your potted garden is:

• Water: Most potted plants need to be watered at least two times a week depending on the conditions. To test if your plants need watering, you can stick your finger into the soil to determine if it is wet or dry.
• Food: Potted gardens might need a tad more ‘food’ than regular gardens as it absorbs the nutrients in the limited pot area very quickly. Use fertiliser or compost to keep your potted garden healthy and happy.
• Deadheading: All plants need regular trimming to maintain their shape and have a neat appearance. Trim your plants regularly and snip dead flowers off to encourage natural growth.
   

Advantages of potted gardens

• Can be grown indoors or outdoors, whilst flowerbed gardens are only suited for outside areas.
• Are suitable for balconies and areas where space and grass are limited.
• Can be moved around to protect plants against insects and weather conditions and allows you to determine the amount of sunlight that reaches the plant.
• Allows you to be creative and experimental in order to create your own, unique living space. The layout and style of your garden is only limited to your imagination.