Summer has arrived in Calgary, inviting us to spruce up our doorsteps and patios with colorful container gardens. Let's discover the secrets to creating beautiful displays that thrive in our dry climate, with tips on what works best and what to avoid for a flourishing garden.
When assembling your container garden, remember the trio: Thriller, Filler, Spiller. Select tall plants for height (thrillers), medium-sized ones to fill space (fillers), and trailing varieties to cascade over edges (spillers) for depth.
Opt for colors that harmonize with your home's exterior. Experiment with contrasting hues for visual interest, but avoid clashing combinations that overwhelm the eye.
Mix plants with diverse textures and forms for visual intrigue. Think about combining spiky leaves with round flowers, or delicate blooms with sturdy leaves. This contrast adds depth and makes your arrangement more interesting to look at. Avoid overcrowding containers, however, as this can lead to competition for resources and hinder plant growth. Leave space between plants to allow for air circulation and prevent diseases.
Select hardy plants that thrive in Calgary's summer conditions:
Lavender. Fragrant and drought-tolerant, lavender adds charm with its purple spikes.
Yarrow. Hardy and colorful, yarrow attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Verbena. Prolific and vibrant, verbena blooms profusely and attracts butterflies.
Salvia. With its striking spikes, salvia adds vertical interest and withstands heat.
Ornamental Grasses. These add texture and movement without requiring much care.
Echinacea. Cheerful and drought-tolerant, echinacea brightens containers with its daisy-like blooms.
For containers, consider options like:
Fibreglass. Lightweight and durable, fibreglass containers come in various shapes and sizes, and retain moisture well. They're easy to move around and resist cracking in freezing temperatures.
Ceramic. With their timeless appeal, ceramic pots add a touch of elegance to any garden. They may require extra care during freezing temperatures, so it's best to bring them indoors or protectthem during winter.
Concrete. Sturdy and long-lasting, concrete containers provide stability and insulation for plant roots, but can be heavy to move. They're ideal for permanent installations and large plants that need extra support.
To ensure the health and vitality of your container garden, it's essential to provide your plants with the right conditions to thrive. Here's what to keep in mind:
Avoid overcrowding containers. Giving plants ample space to grow is crucial. Overcrowded containers can lead to competition for resources, hindering growth and overall health.
Ensure proper drainage. Proper drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging, which can suffocate plant roots and lead to root rot. Ensure your containers have sufficient drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Regular maintenance. Regularly removing spent blooms and yellowing leaves promotes healthy growth and prevents the spread of disease. Keep an eye on your plants and tend to any issues promptly to maintain their vitality.
Resist overwatering. Instead of watering too frequently, focus on deep, infrequent watering sessions to encourage deep root growth and resilience to drought. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, avoiding over watering to prevent root rot. Opt for morning or evening watering to reduce evaporation and avoid wetting foliage, which can promote disease. Consider using a moisture meter for accurate soil moisture assessment.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you'll set your container garden up for success, ensuring it thrives throughout the season.
Creating a stunning container garden for your doorstep or patio is an enjoyable endeavor. By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, your container garden will be a lovely addition to your home, welcoming you every day.
For those seeking expert assistance, consider Bloom Culture's gardening services. From design consultations to installations, rejuvenations, and seasonal container subscriptions,we offer comprehensive solutions to elevate your outdoor space. Visit us at bloomculture.ca!
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