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On a recent l00 degree Saturday I visited four Rowan County Garden
Centers, searching for plants to place in various containers for the fall
season. I found a variety of plants and learned that almost anything can
be grown in containers. Since that day some rain has fallen. But the
drought is still here so planting in containers will help conserve water.
Using annuals for planting is one choice. For an arrangement of
mixed annuals, begin with a taller plant such as caladium or dracaena in the
center of the pot. Add a selection of marigolds, zinnias, begonias,
geraniums, wave petunias, coleus or even impatiens in the next ring. Sweet
potato vine or "gold dust" ivy could trail over the side.
Test out the arrangement by placing the potted plants in the container
before planting them.
A pot of perennials might have dracaena, salvia or a short fountain grass
in
the center. Then put five tulip bulbs in the very bottom of the pot for
spring bloom. Next place gerbera daisies, hardy asters, angel wing begonias,
geraniums or Mexican heather around the taller plant. (Pentas and wave
petunias are annuals but could add different colors and textures here.)
Place this second row of flowers with a slight tilt outwards for a uniform look.
Trailing vinca, like "Mediterranean Rose" or creeping vervain could
spill over the sides.
Fall vegetables can make a colorful pot. Swiss chard could be in
the center with red cabbage and red sails lettuce or purple cabbage, leaf
lettuce and parsley among the many possibilities.
A pot of perennial herbs which could be brought inside later might
include rosemary, chives, thyme, oregano and parsley. When indoors, keep
them in a cool, sunny spot. Water sparingly.
Containers are available in many sizes, shapes and materials. The
size depends upon the number and size of plants to be used. The materials
could be terra cotta, concrete composition, foam, resin, clay, molded polymer or
plastic. All must have drainage holes to get rid of excess water.
Plastic pots require less watering than clay pots because they are less porous.
Decorative ceramic pots which have no drainage holes can be used for cache
pots. Plastic or clay pots can be placed inside a decorative pot, enough
larger to put slightly dampened spaghnum peat
moss in between the two containers to help retain moisture and soak up
any excess water.
The best soil mix for containers is a high grade potting soil, mixed with
fine pine bark mulch which is also called soil conditioner. The ratio
should be 2/3 potting soil to1/3 fine pine bark mulch. If the potting soil
does not contain any fertilizer add a
In addition to needing far less water, containers have other
advantages. The lighter ones are portable and can be moved to other
locations or to a garage to avoid early frost. The larger ones can be
covered with old sheets when frost threatens. (Remember to remove the
covering in the early morning.) Containers
are flexible. I saw a large, decorative one with straight sides which was
designed to hold several flowers right in their nursery pots. The next
season the pots can be replaced easily for a new show.
A colorful pot or two of fall plants can brighten up a dry yard and be
easy to maintain as well as being water wise.
Jean Gillooly is a Master Gardener Volunteer with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service—Class of 1995.