Pot Luck

Hank Lith fills us in on the benefits of a potted garden versus planting in a traditional bed

Pots allow for special plants and bulbs that wouldn’t normally grow in a bed with root competition. Plants with different water and nutrient requirements can be accommodated in one small area — thirsty hydrangeas, low-water ferns and acidity loving camellias could only live side by side in containers. Pots give you freedom to combine and curate a very specific look within a small area. They can be mounted on plinths to accommodate various heights and site levels. When not in flower, a potted plant can be put away to protect rare bulbs from pests.