How to create classic potted topiary

Materials:

4 large terracotta pots
Bark Chips
Pottery Mix
Slow-Release Plant Food Fertilizer

4 – box trees in different topiary shapes, real or faux

Most topiary from a garden center or nursery will come in a plastic container.  We think that isn’t very decorative or nice looking so we recommend our Italian Terracotta Standard or European Style Pottery.  If you look on our website you will see both styles, come in many sizes and are shipped directly to us from the Italian factory.  This is not a cheap, easily damaged terracotta clay.  Each of these pots is fired in a gas kiln making the color even, sun-backed, and stunning.

The clean lines of the topiary are matched by the simplicity of the terracotta pots.  Since the eye is drawn to the outlines of the box plants, decorated or colorful pots would be a distraction.

Fill the bottom of the planter with bark chips.  This keeps the potting mix from coming out and the water able to run off.  You want to keep the drain hole free and clear for good drainage but not totally open so the soil runs out.

Remove the tree from the nursery pot and place it in the terracotta container surrounding it with potting mix.  Push down the side so there are no large air pockets.  Scatter the fertilizer over the top and then finish off with more bark chips.  Water well and position in sun or partial shade.

***Plant anytime of year!

How to dry fresh basil.

You may ask why we are bringing up drying basil in the dead of winter?  Well, we think you should be planning now what herbs, flowers, and plants you want to grow in garden containers this coming spring.  So maybe if we tell you how to dry potted basil (popular herb) and why you want to dry it, you will include it in your coming garden décor.

Dried basil in flowerpots can be used in so many cooking recipes.  Sauces, pesto, chicken and pasta dishes.  It really is one of the most used and desired herbs you can pot and grow at home.  And, have you ever priced basil at the grocery store?  argh.

If you don’t want to grow your own basil in flowerpots you can always dry any fresh basil that you purchase at the grocery store.

After harvesting the basil grown in clay planters, make sure it’s gently washed.  Lay the basil bunches in a dish strainer or on a kitchen towel where they can dry completely.  Remove as much stem as possible because they don’t dry so well.

Preheat your oven to the lowest setting.  Line a baking sheet with parchment and spread leaves out so they aren’t touching. Place in the oven for around 1 to 2 hrs. checking every 15 mins or so.  You don’t want the leaves to burn but just feel dry to the touch.  Remove and cool completely.  Now you can crumble it up removing any stems.  Bottle the crumbles and store in a cabinet out of sunlight.

See how simple this is!  You can easily grow and dry your own basil in almost any size and kind of flowerpot.  By using a clay planter instead of planting directly into your yard or garden, you can container the roots from spreading.  We like to grow all herbs in terracotta clay instead of other types of garden pottery because the clay will breathe and that is good for creating healthy roots.  So, if you have clay flowerpots or any clay planters laying around use those first.  Just make sure they are large enough to hold the number of herbs you want to grow.

[Read More] Better Berries Potted

How to create interesting garden containers

If you have a green thumb touch, or maybe not so much here are some tips that may help when it comes to what types of plant materials to pot in your garden containers.  Of course, everyone’s tastes are different and we encourage that, but these tips can work in general ways also.  These tips also work with all types of garden containers.  Clay flowerpots, Clay Planters, Concrete Pottery, Glazed flowerpots, tall, thin and window box pottery.  Make it simple and keep it simple!

Mix different leaf textures & sizes
Potting green plants in your home and garden pottery or containers is not the most exciting thing to do but if you think about it, they make a wonderful filler for very little financial investment.  If you put your palms, flowers, bulbs or succulents in the center of your planter and fill the border with leaves and greens you will have a much fuller flower pot arrangement without a lot of expense.

Sample:

Lamb’s Ear:  We love these silky soft leaves.   They range from pale yellow to deep emerald green and have a fuzzy softness to them.  These are great when planted in clay planters all alone because they grow fast and provide lots of colors as well as filler.  The leaves have almost a light grey cast to them because of all the fuzz.  Love it!

Ferns:  Ferns are known for their feathery tapered leaves.  They range in too many colors to list here but they are perfect as filler or as stand-alone.  Each leaf has a natural bend to it so it looks lovely draped on the outside of your clay flowerpots and glazed planters.  Ferns are also perfect for patio or porch hanging terracotta planters.

Hosta:  These leaves are little paddles that look lovely when mixed with spikey flowers or plants that have height.  A deep green that complements all colors of flowers, even white.  When mixed with other green leaf plants they add a tremendous contrast in color and style to all your clay planters or clay flowerpots.

Looking for something easy to plant and grow in a decorative patio pot, something healthy to eat, wonderful to smell, and looks good in a garden planter?  GARLIC!

If you have never tried to grow garlic in a garden container and watch it grow so you can harvest it, then you are missing out for sure.  It’s really so easy and fun to do.  Great for kids and older adults alike.  Just follow a few easy tips and you can have great success growing your potted garlic.

As we all know, garlic is one of the most popular herbs you can grow.  It’s used in almost all recipes from spaghetti sauce, to stir fry and everything in between.  Garlic is reported to be a wonderful medicinal plant owing to its preventive characteristics in cardiovascular diseases, regulating blood pressure, lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels, effective against bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections, enhancing the immune system and so much more.

The first thing to consider is the right type of garlic to plant in your flowerpot.  If you live in a cold climate purchase Hard neck. The Soft neck kind is better for warmer climates.  You can google this for more information.  The second thing to consider is where you will place the garden containers once they are planted.  The best place to locate your pottery is where they will get full sun.  A patio area or yard and garden area where they can get direct sun without an overhang or awning.

When selecting the container to grow the garlic in you will need one that is at least 6 inches (15 cm.) deep and has excellent drainage. The garden container also needs to be big enough to leave 6 inches (15 cm.) of space between cloves.  We recommend a terracotta planter, window box, or garden bowl because the clay breathes and is healthy for the soil and garlic to get good air circulation.  But most any garden container will yield success.

Start with fresh potting mix.  Don’t reuse mix from year after year in any of your flowerpots, because the garlic will deplete the nutrients in the soil.  Separate the cloves carefully and set them into the mix pointy side up about 4 to 6 inches into the soil.  Space apart.  Top with soil and mulch the planter.

Don’t overwater these planters.  Allow the soil to dry a bit between watering but never dry out completely.  Feed each flowerpot with fertilizer during the active growing season to help things along.  Stop fertilizing the potted garlic mid-summer when the leaves begin to turn brown and die back.  You will know when to harvest when half or more of the leaves have died.  That is the time to dig up the bulbs.

Dig them up being careful not to bruise or cut them.  Lay them out to dry for 2 to 3 weeks in a shady area or in a garage.  When the roots feel brittle, rub them off along with excess dirt, but leave the papery skins intact.  You can now store them in bunches, braid them or cut off the stems a few inches above the bulb.  Store on a screen or shelf where they will get good cool, dry air.

Now that we are in the middle of Winter how are you unprotected flowerpot perennials doing?  If you haven’t taken any steps to protect them this will be your last chance.  Snow and freezing temps can really dish out a beating on your outdoor potted plants.  Without these added steps they can become damaged and possibly not make it till next Spring.

When looking at your potted rosebushes, flowers, and grasses you need to decide if they need to be cut back so by next spring new growth will appear.  Maybe the planters, want to keep all the dead foliage as a layer of protection from the cold weather, then it’s best to leave it alone. 

We all know how a planter of roses needs to be cut back to ensure next seasons growth.  Whether you decide to cut back or leave as is the perennial garden containers you have they all can use a nice dose of mulch.  Mulch will act as a barrier between the cold and freezing roots.  Lay a blanket of fall leaves, some shredded hay or a layer of pinecones, rocks or nuts in the shell.  Create a blanket for the potting mix and plants roots to sleep in comfortably.

Potted grasses have become very popular over the last few years. They provide a unique almost contemporary look to your homes landscaping and outdoor décor.  They love to be cut back to not only keep them looking their best but to help them conserve their energy during the cold winter months.  Come Spring they will grow again in the colorful vibrant foliage you desire.

Hydrangea planters don’t need to be cut back but if you do so you will be richly rewarded with larger blooms next Spring.  If you choose not to cut them back or just missed the time of year to do so don’t worry.  Come next Spring you will still get smaller flowers but the older branches will grow studier.

Squirrels digging in your flowerpots?

Come on who doesn’t think squirrels are cute?  When you went out of the porch to water your flowerpots you noticed some digging in the potting mix or a few nibbles off the leaves is taking place.  Well, we don’t believe in harming animals when there are perfectly natural ways to keep them away. It just takes a few simple steps for you to achieve results.

Many animals don’t like the scent of different types of herbs & spices.  So, let’s start there.  Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the plants and the scent will keep them away.  Sprinkling ground herbs around living plants are used a lot and will not harm the plants at all.  Paprika or Red Pepper Flakes work also.  Of course, after a bit of time more will need to be added but if it works, then why not!

If you have thought a time or two about potting some herbs try mixing your garden planters with potted flowers and herbs.  Mix Mint in with other plants and the scent will keep squirrels away.  This not only looks beautiful but if you like the smell of mint having a bit in your garden containers will only add to your enjoyment.

If the digging is getting out of hand, try laying a layer of mulch, hay, toys, nuts in the shell, seashells, colored rocks or marbles on the top of the potting mix.  The squirrels won’t want to touch them and dig around them to get to the roots of the plant and will move on to an easier next victim.  This can also be fun and give your flowerpots a finish almost decorative look.

Do you have a patio wall that is blank and ugly?  You never seem to find the right piece of art that can hang outside and look good year after year.  How about a porch that needs some help for added color and beauty? 

Try a climbing vine in a pot.  These vines are easy to grow in a flowerpot and will add a vertical touch to your porch or patio décor.  Here are a few suggestions to help you get started.  Remember though that there are many types of climbers that will work good in a flowerpot so don’t limit yourself to the ones listed below.

IVY – We all know Ivy and love it.  You see it growing outside a traditional home as well as an English Tudor style.  It is virtually one of the best climbers to pot and is great for beginners because of its hardy growth.  Potted Ivy likes a wide and shallow container better than a narrow and deep one but that shouldn’t limit you.  This climber likes most size pots! Place around the outside of any garden planter where you want it to grow over the side.  Set your garden container next to the wall you want it to grow on and attach it to make it climb as it grows.  Beautiful.

CLIMBING HYDRANGEA – Everyone knows hydrangea.  The smell and beautiful blooms make is a wonderful addition to any garden container.  Since it can grow up to 70 feet long it’s perfect for a patio wall or porch.  The main thing to consider is the larger the planter you can handle the better.  This time of climbing vine likes room to grow to stay healthy.  Use a trellis in the planter and have the vine weave in and out of it to create a vertical barrier for privacy.

BOUGAINVILLEA – In Arizona, we all know this climbing shrub very well.  It’s shocking pink blooms and sharp thorny vine make it unforgettable. It is super easy to grow and will add a tropical touch to any garden planter or porch railing.  If you live in a harsh climate you will have to protect this potted shrub from winters cold.  Place the pot next to a pillar and have it climb up creating a living explosion of color.

There are many climbers you can try like Sweet Pea, Jasmine, Black Eyed Susan, & Passion Flower.  Don’t limit yourself and create lovely garden planters and vertical gardens.

You have seen more than enough articles and blog posts on how to grow herbs, veggies and succulents.  Now that the public is becoming more health aware they are potting up and growing their own food and edibles.  Here are some easy and fun tips for growing Wheat grass.

Wheat grass is a flavorful way to get more greens into your diet.  By planting a tray of it you will always have this healthy option close at hand.  Here’s how…

Start by selecting a shallow container.  Bonsai dishes, oval and square garden planters, garden bowls and wok planters all work with great success.  You don’t need a deep flowerpot or tray to grow wheat grass since the seeds are not buried but lay on top of the soil to grow.

Purchase seeds from your local garden center.  Fill the garden pot with soil mix about 1” deep.  Gently compress the soil mix in the planter.  Water soil till moist but not dripping wet.  Cover about half the planting area with seeds but try to make sure they don’t touch.  Lightly compress the seeds into the soil.  Cover the pot with a lid or upturned plant saucer.

 Check the potted seeds and moisture twice a day.  When seeds germinate, remove lid and place the flowerpot in a warm indoors area where there is sun.  Check daily for water moisture.  Harvest with scissors any wheat grass that is 6’ high.  The wheat grass will grow back a second time after harvesting.  

When spent, toss everything into the compost pile and start over with a cleaned out flowerpot.

Suggestions:  Juice the grass, blend the whole grass in a smoothie, add to a salad mix or to any soup dish.

With your life so busy, you may ask “Why would I want to grow my own Ginger?”  Well, by potting up your own you are sure there are no pesticides or other harmful ingredients added to the potting soil or water.  And, it saves money.  If you start using more ginger then you can save some real money by growing your own in flowerpots.

First thing is to select a garden container or planter to use for potting.  Since Ginger grows horizontally we suggest a wide pot.  Garden Bowls or wok styles are perfect.  Just make sure the planter is wider then deeper and has good drainage.  Use rich potting mix that allows good drainage. This is not the time for heavy soil that will cause root rot.

Next go to the store and find ginger pieces that have new growth buds on them if possible.  This little bud will grow between the large arms.  If there aren’t any then buy what the store offers anyway.  Once you get it home, soak in water for 24 hrs to remove growth inhibitor, and dirt.

If no buds on the ginger, place in a window until buds start sprouting.  Could take a couple of days.  Then place the piece of ginger in potting soil and cover with an inch of soil.  You don’t need to pack it all the way to the top of the planter.  Leave some room for watering.

Place the garden container in indirect sunlight indoors because it doesn’t like wind or direct sun.  Water regularly, making sure soil is damp but never soggy.  It takes months to grow so be patient.  It ranges from 3 to 8 months where you can start to pull of sections of the plant to use.  And if you want you can even transplant them into other garden planters and give as gifts, to neighbors or co-workers.

Ginger is so healthy.  Just google it and you will be amazed at the healing properties.  Use in smoothies, tea, oatmeal and on most food where it adds a delightful taste.  Ginger can be grated, sauteed, sliced, julienned and used on most all food groups.