All gardeners, from the flat-dweller with a small balcony to the owner of a large garden, enjoy gardening in containers, probably because this is one of the easiest ways in which to achieve an abundance of colour in a small space.
Containers on patios add a cheerful note to festive season outdoor entertaining, while a burst of colour at the front door provides a warm welcome. The secret to great-looking containers is to keep them well stocked and abundant.
What to plant
Most plants prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, but some will tolerate hot, sunny conditions. A fair number will grow in partial or filtered shade, while only a select few thrive in shady conditions. So once you have decided the locations for your containers, make sure you choose the right plant. Take a look at the sun on your patio and plant according to the light:
* Full sun: Ageratum, alyssum, celosia, cosmos, dianthus, marigold, nasturtium, petunia, portulaca, salvia, sunflower, zinnia, rudbeckia, verbena, arctotis, coreopsis, felicia, gaura, gazania, lavender, pelargonium.
* Morning sun only: Abutilon, ageratum, aquilegia, fuchsia, lobelia, nicotiana, schizanthus.
* Partial shade: Aquilegia, New Guinea impatiens, begonia, coleus, fuchsia, lobelia, mimulus, schizanthus, torenia.
* Shade: begonia, coleus, impatiens.
Winning recipes
If you are planning to decorate your patio in stylish colour this December, consider these tried-and- tested plant recipe combinations:
* Shape Sensation (morning sun to full sun): Ornamental millet Purple Majesty, Begonia Dragon Wings, Nemesia Indigo Blue, Petunia Million Bells Terracotta.
* Red Hot Hues (morning sun to full sun): New Guinea orange; Asparagus fern; Petunia Million Bells Terracotta; Snapdragon Luninae; Yellow Verbena.
* Pastel Shades (semi-shade/morning sun): Plectranthus Mona Lavender; Alternanthera Purple Knight; Verbena White; Pink nemesia
* Shady ladies (full shade): Pink and white begonias with blue lobelia.
* Hanging colour (morning sun): Yellow coreopsis; Verbena Purple and Petunia Pink Wave
Keeping them alive
December is a hot month. Knowing how to keeping containers looking good is vital. Consider these tips:
* Line wire hanging baskets with coir mats to conserve moisture.
* Fill or top up your pots with a good-quality potting soil. In hanging baskets, use indoor plant potting soil – it retains moisture well.
* Add water retaining gel to the soil.
* Take into account whether the containers will be in sunny or shady positions. Hanging baskets perform better in partially shaded to shady positions.
* For best effects, limit the number of colours used to a maximum of three.
* Choose shades that harmonise or contrast with each other.
* Choose plants that suit the container. A low container will focus attention on the plants, while a decorative pot can be as much part of the display as the plants it holds. Trailing plants suit a large container and hanging baskets.
* Plant taller plants in the centre of the container, and lower growing ones around the edges.
* Mulch the soil.
* Water your containers every day, and twice a day during very hot spells.
* For best blooms, fertilise every two weeks with a liquid fertiliser.
* Remove flowers that have finished blooming regularly to prolong the flowering season.
* If you buy an already made-up basket it is best to keep it in semi-shade because full sun will be too harsh.
* Groom your baskets and containers regularly. - Saturday Star