Gardening notebook
Embark on a creative container adventure, right on your stoep!
In full bloom
Who said that beds maketh the garden? Well, no one, actually! And that’s great news for the balcony, stoep, and patio gardener. You can still enjoy all the glory of gardening by playing with pots, experimenting with the colour wheel, using vertical planters, and adding a few fabulous blooms.
Using containers in different shapes and sizes will add height and variety to your space, while also giving you an opportunity to play with different styles. Incorporating hanging baskets is another simple way of adding greenery to areas with limited space. Using woven baskets (instead of plastic) with spikey foliage will bring in some lovely texture. Spend some time in the pots and basket section next time you’re at the nursery and see what takes your fancy!
Up the wall
An empty wall is simply an invitation to bring it to life! All you need to do is secure a few pots against the wall in a symmetrical grid style, leaving a little space between each pot (four pots across by four pots down is a good start). Cascading ferns and creepers take care of the rest and will soon cover the wall or frame windows and doorways beautifully. Vertical planters bring the garden bed to you, are great space-savers, and add a modern feel to a space.
Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata) is an all-time favourite flowering vine, while climbing snapdragons (Asarina) work well in vertical planters and living walls.
Bonus ideas Herbs on hand
Instead of using bottled braai spice, snip some fresh garnish for your guests! Having pots of herbs on your stoep will not only add fragrance to the space, but will ensure a handy supply of fresh ingredients for al fresco meals.
Zen your den
Another way of utilising your patio space is by adding a water feature. Running water creates a relaxing atmosphere and helps to bring in that out-in-nature feeling. Two-tier features will add some height to the space too. >>
What a beauty!
The Bella series of fuchsias is simply stunning and makes for picture-perfect pot plants. They grow as a compact, bushy, deciduous shrub with dark green leaves. You can expect a sensational display throughout summer with blooms varying in shades of red, pink and purple. They enjoy sun to semi-shade and grow best in moist, fertile soil.
THE ULTIMATE FLOWER POT
Any available space on your patio – whether it’s a low wall or windowsill – is an opportunity for flowers to flourish. A great way to achieve a lush look in containers is by using the Thriller, Filler and Spiller (TFS) method to create an eye-catching container. Choose one upright focal point plant as your Thriller, a mounded plant as the Filler around it, and then something to trail over the edge as your splendid Spiller.
‘STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM’ ANYONE?
Grow your own reminder of the sweeter things in life and play with the colour wheel in pots. Incorporate a delicious variety of deep reds and indulgent cream hues to create your own sweet escape in a container. Using the trusty TFS planting method, here’s how to create your red and white pot:
1 Verbena: bright red spiller
2 Euphorbia: classic white filler
3 Petunia: deep red filler
4 Alstroemeria: creamy-white filler
5 Dahlia: burgundy-red thriller
6 Calibrachoa: yellow-white spiller >>