In recent years there has been a move towards planting up more containers in the garden.
At one time the only container gardening was the occasional hanging basket.
More people have transport and more disposable income that enables them to visit the big horticultural shows.
To see garden designers using containerized plants on their stands or small garden plots creates the desire to copy.
Garden makeover programs on television also tend to include a selection of containers.
If all you have is a small back yard that is paved, hanging baskets and containers can brighten up this area and totally transform the space if done right.
Even with a larger garden, planting up containers enables you to move them around to fill places in your borders when early bulbs or spring plants have died back, or in fact where plants have unexpectedly died off and a temporary solution is required.
The danger is that you plant up one or two containers for your small space, like the result and get bitten by the bug.
Nothing wrong with that apart from the fact that containers are high maintenance.
They need watering.
Even in the wettest summer months you need to water.
The foliage has a tendency to act like an umbrella so make sure you get the water underneath and onto the compost.
These are your babies; they are relying on you for food and water.
It is well worth taking the time and making the effort, you will be well rewarded.
If you plant small shrubs in your containers don't forget that you will probably have to make good use of your secateurs to keep them in shape and restricted to their allocated space.
Which containers to use? Your own imagination is your limit.
There has been a craze to use metal containers and, yes, in the right context they can look great.
However, if they are in full sun for any part of the day they will get very hot and by nature, most plant roots go down into the soil where it is cooler.
If you do use them, just make sure they are well positioned and planted appropriately.
Lastly, most of us like to get away for a week or two in the summer.
Anything planted into the garden soil by and large looks after itself.
Containers need watering.
You will need an automatic watering system or an understanding neighbor or friendly family member to do the job.
Container gardening can be great fun and very rewarding but before you take the plunge think very carefully about the ongoing maintenance required.
At one time the only container gardening was the occasional hanging basket.
More people have transport and more disposable income that enables them to visit the big horticultural shows.
To see garden designers using containerized plants on their stands or small garden plots creates the desire to copy.
Garden makeover programs on television also tend to include a selection of containers.
If all you have is a small back yard that is paved, hanging baskets and containers can brighten up this area and totally transform the space if done right.
Even with a larger garden, planting up containers enables you to move them around to fill places in your borders when early bulbs or spring plants have died back, or in fact where plants have unexpectedly died off and a temporary solution is required.
The danger is that you plant up one or two containers for your small space, like the result and get bitten by the bug.
Nothing wrong with that apart from the fact that containers are high maintenance.
They need watering.
Even in the wettest summer months you need to water.
The foliage has a tendency to act like an umbrella so make sure you get the water underneath and onto the compost.
These are your babies; they are relying on you for food and water.
It is well worth taking the time and making the effort, you will be well rewarded.
If you plant small shrubs in your containers don't forget that you will probably have to make good use of your secateurs to keep them in shape and restricted to their allocated space.
Which containers to use? Your own imagination is your limit.
There has been a craze to use metal containers and, yes, in the right context they can look great.
However, if they are in full sun for any part of the day they will get very hot and by nature, most plant roots go down into the soil where it is cooler.
If you do use them, just make sure they are well positioned and planted appropriately.
Lastly, most of us like to get away for a week or two in the summer.
Anything planted into the garden soil by and large looks after itself.
Containers need watering.
You will need an automatic watering system or an understanding neighbor or friendly family member to do the job.
Container gardening can be great fun and very rewarding but before you take the plunge think very carefully about the ongoing maintenance required.