This week we have begun planting and placing our potted displays. These include flower, herb, fruit, and vegetable displays. A great potted display will have a tall centerpiece surrounded by gradually shorter layers of plantings at least half the height, with the final layer hanging over the edge. Here are tips for potted flower displays.

Soil is very important, choose a soil that’s well draining and fertile. we generally use a good 1 part sandy loam, 1 part compost and 1 part composted manure.

The centerpiece is not always centered in the planter. For example if along a patio edge or against a wall, you may plant the centerpiece toward the back and center. With the centerpiece in the back and center you’re able to plant more layers.

For potted flower displays we like to use one of the following centerpieces:

Tree Rose
Rose Bush
New Zealand Flax
Tree Daisy
Espalier Camellia
Espalier Cottoneaster

There are many more centerpieces worthy of mention, these are just some common yearly guests. The centerpiece is important because you generally should choose one that will endure the season or year. Many good centerpieces will last for years at a time with proper maintenance. Height is important, as you wouldn’t want a centerpiece that’s shorter than the plants surrounding it. Using a lasting centerpiece allows you to plant and replant around it without replacing what’s generally the most costly plant.

The second tier goes immediately in front of or around the centerpiece. Your second tier should usually be only half the height of the centerpiece. The second tier should compliment the center in both color and texture. For example you don’t want to plant soft green leaves next to soft green leaves or yellow flowers next to yellow flowers. If textures and colors match then what could be to great flowers become muted within each other.

For potted displays we like to use one of the following second tiers:

Lavender- for tall centerpieces like a tree rose etc.
Dusty miller
Geranium
Pansies
Primroses
Daisies
Impatiens
Marigolds

This second tier has a much larger range of great plants these are only some. Always keep in mind what and where you started so that textures and colors compliment each other. You must also be aware of the available space. For instance with a centerpiece in place and your plant palate chosen are you adding just a second tier or more. Sometimes we’ll have great space and can add several tiers. When this happens we often go all out planting several tiers or make a very thick second tier, which is just fine.

Final step, the overhang. The overhang provides additional texture and color and makes your display have greater depth. We use hanging plants will take little room at the top edge of the planter and grow down the side all summer. Your overhanging plant can be annual or perennial and may bloom more than once per year.

For potted flower displays we like to use the following overhanging plants:

Alyssum
Lithodora
Candy tuft
Variegated Ivy
Rosemary prostratus – a hanging variety
Vinca minor
Fuchsia

There are several more great vines and hanging flowers that will compliment your display.

Well good luck with your adventure in the planter, May you have a beautiful year.

Great tips for March:

• Schedule your spring window cleaning and gutter cleaning.
• Fertilize most plants mid Feb.-March with a balanced fertilizer such as 16-16-16.
• Apply Lime on turf areas to help balance soil pH.
• Remove dead rose and raspberry canes, tie this years raspberry canes.
• Divide dahlia and daylily tubers throughout march and prepare planting area.
• Remove 1-2 old trunks from bush type lilacs.
• Keep ahead of the weeds now so you don’t fight them all summer.

In addition to our landscape maintenance, flower displays, and window cleaning, we will be promoting our container herb, vegetable, and fruit farming. Over the past two years many of our clients and their friends have asked that we plant Herbs, Vegetables, and Fruits in small container gardens. Through much study, trial and error the result is a bountiful harvest of homegrown healthy foods. Over the coming months we plant to update our blog and our website with pictures of these modern day farmers and their crops.

From Every One at Sure Lawn,

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