Find a low wide pot or bowl, that is approximately 14" in diameter.  It can be made of terracotta clay, ceramic, poly-resin, concrete or any other type of planter that you like.  Partially fill the bowl with new potting soil.  Set the plants you purchased still in their nursery container on the soil, and move them till you find the position that you really like.  Make an arrangement that makes you happy!  Use 4" slow growing plants, approx 3.

Knock the plants out of the nursery containers and gently take the coiled roots apart.  Fill in around them with more potting soil up to within an inch of the pot rim.  Make sure the soil is compact and then water till moist.

Pour sand on top of the soil and finish with a piece of driftwood or other beachy treasure.  Shells, and sand-dollars make interesting pieces to add. 

Set the finished pot on a sunny patio or porch, where it gets some sun and some shade.  Water once a week or so using a gentle stream of water.  You don't want to disturb the display.  A watering can comes in handy here.

The link? Irritants in the air can affect upper airways, causing difficulty breathing as you sleep, says lead study author Antonella Zanobetti, P.h.D

For best results, use a combination of potted snake plants, spider plants or golden pothos (plants proven to eliminate  smog grom traffic and other pollutants from outside your home) and orchids, red ivy, English ivy or asparagus fern (proven to remove harmful compounds released from furniture, rugs electronics and other household items).

Place potted plants in your entry hall to combat stuffy air.  Fill small clay pot with herbs and the fragrance will flow through-out the kitchen area.  Place plants on a balcony outside a bedroom window and open it at night.

Small ideas make big differences!

When you start selecting plants for the pot you are looking to fill, take colors, textures, size and plant needs into consideration.  Use bold, leafy plants along with some small decorative or fragrant plants.  One problem people have is how many to put in each pot?  We recommend using 18 to 20 - 4" nursery cell packs.  They are use to being crowded and their roots are better developed.  Arrange them so they get the max exposure from the side of the planter that they will be viewed from. 

Once growth starts to take place, pull out and remove any plants that are not thriving.  Once you finish the potted plant design, soak the main pot with a long slow method to prevent soil runoff which can expose the roots and increase chances of dry-out!  Try to give your plants the best start and you will have the most success!

Standard Method:  When the plant design calls for a hefy core plant near the center of the pack, you should pack in as many supporting plants as possible. 

1.  Fill the pot container approx halfway with fresh, damp soil and time released fertilizer.

2.  Center th core plant slightly toward the back of the pot.

3.  Add more soil to within 8" of the top of the pot.
4.  Arrange the filler plants around the core plant.  Place close together and add extra soil to secure them in place.

Alternate Method:  When you have a core plant with a smaller base or truck try this method.

1.  Fill the container approx 3/4 full with fresh, damp soil and time release fertilizer.

2.  Place the core plant in the center of the container, make sure the soil level of the plant sits approx 2" above the top of the container instead of even or below the lip of the pot.

3.  Add more soil and fertilizer to the container forming a mound.

4.  Place filler plants close together in to the mound so that they cascade over the edge of the pot container.

How to choose a container:  The best size to start with is 26" high and 30" wide.  This gives you enough space to work with without over crowding and having to repot in one season. 

Try to use a durable material like Poly Resin or Concrete and make sure there are drain holes in the bottom.  The drainage and run off is very important so that the plants root system isn't sitting in standing water, which will cause root rot.

At the beginning of each season:  We recommend you repot with new soil and fertilizer.  This will give the old growth along with any new plants you may add to the pot display, a better foundation to start the season with.  Keep them well watered, remove any struggling plants, and fertilize weekly.

Stack wooden crates for a storage base.  Use small shipping crates because they are the ideal size for holding stacks of pots.  Keep inexpensive pots on hand for when you have a project that requires one or you are in the mood to plant something.  Just stack the crates on top of each other - 2 high - and then top with a piece of wood from the local lumber yard.

This is easy, portable, and no tools required.

Maximize space with an overhead pot rack.  Whether you have a green thumb or are complely green at gardening, having all your must haves in one place let's you confidently accomplish any task.  A wall rack that keeps supplies in an easily accessible spot.  You can use it to dry flowers on and the pot hooks always come in handy.

Clip up a gallery of inspiration:  To sidestep pottery block keep your ideas just a glance away with a photo gallery or flower arranging idea.  Surround your space with images that speak to you, motivate you or just makes you happy.  Picture of plants you like to pot someday or flowers you hope to buy all go on the clip boards.  Plant combinations for planters are hard to create but easy to copy.

Hang essentials on a cup hook:  A little whisk broom and gardening gloves are always on hand when you optimize the space underneath your work surface with cup hooks.  This often over looked area offers a bonus:  If your potting area is outdoors, the overhand keeps soft items from getting damaged by rain.  The hooks are easy to install with no tools necessary.  They just screw in.

Transport pots with a push:  Say goodbye to lugging around planters thanks to your own clever assitant - a wooden glider.  This rolling base can hold up to 88 lbs, letting you move the heaviest pots with your fingertips.  Don't want to make one then try the "Pot lifter" we sell that can lift up to 200 lbs.

Choose a container that has holes in the bottom for drainage.  Drainage is important for most types of flowers, grasses or plants that you would want to decorate with, so plan ahead.  What is really fun is changing out the planting materials for each season or holiday.  This is a easy and fun way to decorate the front of your home or entry.

Use all purpose potting soil.  Packing peanuts in the bottom of the planter help minimize weight.  We sell other materials that work  - like our Pot Filler.  The point is to make the hanging planter as light as possible.  Don't fill the bottom with pot shards or gravel since the added weight could effect the hanging ability.

Mix in a slow release fertilizer, such as Osmocote, which provides nutrients to plants for several months.  Trying to fertalize after you have placed the plant materials inside is hard to do.  It is much easier to change out the soil and fertilizer each time you change the flowers.

Moisten the potting soil thoroughly.  Don't skimp when it comes to the first watering.  This helps to compact the soil, releasing air pockets that can cause problems.  Make sure to keep watering after the plants or flowers are planted.  A container that is hanging off a window ledge is exposed to more wind and weather elements so make sure you water to keep the soil from drying out.

Select plants according to preferred light exposure and how frequently you will be able to water.  Space them closely for a full  look.  Add something to trail over the planter's edge.  We love a trailing ivy that extends the length of the plant materials and adds character to every display.

You maybe asking yourself "What is the best way to bring the little birdies into your yard?  Well, the easiest way is to provide the kinds of food they love, and place it in a fun & useful bird feeder.

Feeding birds help sustain them during winter months when natural sources are scarce.  But feeding during Spring & Summer is fun because then the birds will hang around and sing to you while you relax on the back porch or patio.  A birds song is great back ground music while entertaining and they make great company while working in the yard.

Arizona Pottery carries a wide selection of birdhouses and feeders in our Garden Item section.  Hummingbird feeders blown out of glass, wooden gazebos that are decorative, stone carved feeders and metal feeder that are durable are all available....

Some feeding tips:  If you keep your feeder of choice filled constantly with bird seed mix they will quickly become fans and eat constantly.  So fill the feeder once a day and train them when to eat.  Use a high energy seed mix for health.  A great blen of seed contains hulled sunflower seeds, white millet, and niger which appeals to most birds.  Suet feed will satisfy the rest.

All the feeders shown can be found in our Garden Items section under "Bird Feeder".

 

When it comes to selecting a feeder, remember that a tray, hopper, tube or suet feeder will attract different types of birds.  Choose one that appeals to your favorites.  To attract the greatest array of birds, select one of each.

Hang the feeder in sight where you can enjoy it.  Place a foot or two from the window so it will be safer for the birds.  If they get startled, a low speed run in with the glass won't harm them.  Make sure they are not hanging by a post, or tree where a pet can get to them while they are eating. 

Lastly consider maintenence.  Wash the feeders every couple of weeks in hot soapy water.  Old seed that is moldy or decomposing can make birdies sick so keep the seed current.  Dry the feeder before re-filling to keep the seed fresh.

If you use these few tips - you will experience great success in attracting birds to your garden areas and will keep them healthy & happy while there!

 

Check out our bird houses.  They are really fun!

 

Holiday Theme:  Start by selecting the garden planter of choice.  Bright colors come in handy for seasonal ideas like Green & Red for Christmas, Red, White & Blue for 4th of July and bright green for Saint Patricks Day.  Then match the plant materials to go with the theme.  At times it would only take an American Flag sticking out of a planter to give you a holiday celebration vibe.
The photo left shows white planters stuffed with Red, White & Blue flowers.

 

When you heart is troubled and the country is at war try planting a peace garden.  Motherwort for its cardiac-strengthening properties and chamomile, vervain, lavender, and valerian for their calming qualities.  Planting a potted garden brings you peace at troubling time.

Want a Southwest Theme to your potted garden?  Fill your terracotta clay planters with poppies, blanket flowers, bluebonnets, ornamental grasses and hardy cacti.  Select plants with colors that are earth tone and muted.  You want it to express a sunny attitude by using orange, rust and green plant materials.  Bright colorful mexican pottery filled with lively and dramatic flowers give a playful and fun feel.  Add a garden sphere for fun.

Fill the tops of planters with river rock to reflect a dry river bed or use colorful rocks or soil to fill in around the plant materials.  Even the little things make a big statement.

 

Zen Garden theme anyone?  When you think of planting this type of theme you think of muted colors, organic plant materials, natural pottery and a clean feel.  Well, that is great and works wonderful but another option would be bright oranges and colorful plants to create a invigorating and exhilarating garden where you go to relax surrounded by warm color tones.

Hang a piece of colorful fabric from a patio cover and carry that color theme with cushions, place mats, or napkins.

 

Seasonal themes are always easy to create.  This fall design shows simple pots with fall plants spilling over the sides.  The dried gourds add a theme that can't be denied.  Use fall grasses, or wildflowers.
For Spring use garden bulbs and deep green plants, summer is easy with lots of flowers and color and Winter can be achieved with boughs from pine trees, holly and dried plant materials.