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.

Right now, the earth is quiet.  Winter is upon us and there isn’t much going on in our yard and garden areas.  Let’s talk about adding some décor to our stark and barren landscape planters.  If you think it takes a lot of decorative talent to create unusual and inexpensive garden containers then you would be wrong. 

Below we are going to show you examples of simple, easy, and cheap ways to “dress up” your garden pottery that are doable no matter if you have flower arranging skills or not.  So, let’s dive right in.

One great tip for most of these planters is the word “stuff”.  We recommend that this not be the time you skimp on materials.  When you are filling empty planters for winter, you need to fill them with as many decorative items as you can.  The more the merrier is really germane here.  So, stuff them up!

Berry Branches:  A natural yet simple terracotta garden pot is crammed with all kinds of assorted plant materials.  The main theme is dark green and red.  Fill the pot with branches of assorted conifers, graceful cedar, spiky holly, and juniper.  Drape limp branches over the sides and stand stiff sticks in the center to create height and flow.  Once finished with all the greens, place the berry branches with emphasis on different heights.  You don’t need a lot here just splats of color nestled among the branches.  Simple, natural and truly superb.

Feathers & Pods:  A small low-profile planter is filled with all kinds of fun objects with very little emphasis on greens.  The evergreens are almost an afterthought.  Place bundles of cinnamon sticks, pinecones, moss balls, quail feathers inside the garden bowl till it is filled.  Add bundles of dried pots and curly willow around the bundles.  Finish by adding a sprig or two of limp cedar and eucalyptus in and around the bundles.  Just push anything you can find laying in the yard or around the patio into and between the bigger items.  This is planter arrangement is perfect for a patio table or porch area.

Wire Sphere & Twinkle Lights:  This winter garden urn is for the person who wants elegance for little fuss.  Any empty planter works great for this look.  Purchase a wire sphere from any craft store.  String little twinkle lights around it and that is pretty much it.  Make sure the home and garden urns are placed near an electrical outlet or that one is located close by.  Plug it in and you have an imaginative, impressive and really inexpensive decorative vase.

Winter Window Box Planter:  Another really easy idea to copy.  Take green spruce or graceful cedar branches and start on the outside and front first.  Place the branches inside the planter with the ends sticking out the side and draping over the front of the window.  Then add the top and center, following the same thing.  Just keep sticking branches in until you get the look you want.  Once all branches are mixed together, they will create a woven pattern which helps to keep them all from moving.  Then top them off with a few branches of pussy willow. It adds softness and texture to the overall window box.

We hope these few ideas can help you to create artistic garden planters for your porch, patio, home or garden areas.  Just because it’s pretty sparse outside doesn’t mean you can’t dress it up a bit!  Share your thoughts below. We love to hear from you!

Arizona Pottery has been in the pottery industry since 2000.  We have seen and continue to see all kinds of trends come and go when it comes to choices of garden planters.  Fiberglass, Poly Resin, High Fired, Low Fired, Concrete, Black Clay, Terracotta the list goes on and on.

Why did we start with red terracotta and it continues to be our best seller?  Because it is timeless.  Terra cotta pots have been around for ages and they tend to come and go in popularity but in this post, we want to discuss some of the pros and cons.

When it comes to cons when using terra cotta flowerpots and garden planters the list is pretty short.
* Dry out quickly.
* Breakdown over time.
* Become heavy once planted.
* Discolor over time
* Plain and boring

So let’s look at a few pros on why they are basically timeless and still popular.

HEALTH
Healthy for a plant’s, roots – Did you know that terra cotta clay breathes?  Yes, it is very healthy for all plants root systems.  Because the clay “breathes” it will also show the chemicals that are in your potting mix or fertilizer.  Every time you water the potted plant, the water soaks into the clay, eventually seeping out, the clay will start to show a calcium build up or white lines and markings.  This is loved and appreciated by many terracotta owners.  So much so that they try to age their planters by applying milk to the outside so that moss will grow and the pot will look aged faster than the natural process.

WEIGHT
Terracotta planters are not known for being the heaviest garden containers around but once they are filled with damp potting mix, they can become quite heavy. This is great if you are planting a tree or shrub and the yard pot is placed in a spot where it will receive some wind.  Lightweight or Fiberglass containers will blow over very easily.  If you need added weight you can always put a brick or rocks in the bottom of the planter before adding the potting mix. Just make sure you have it placed where you want it since you won’t be able to move it easily.

DISCOLORATION
One of the worse and most popular reasons for using terracotta is the aging process that naturally occurs.  Like we stated above green thumb gardeners won’t use anything else and rejoice in the aging process.  It is a sign of beauty and age that can hardly be duplicated.  If you are the type who likes their containers to look brand new then Terracotta is not the planter for you.

PLAIN/BORING
Yes, terracotta is ageless and is seen everywhere.  Maybe you need something different a bit more modern or contemporary.  Terra cotta pottery is considered traditional, timeless and naturalistic, all good things but maybe not your thing.  That is fine.  If you like the look of clay but not clay itself there are resin pots that are textured and come in the terracotta color that will stand up to an explosion.  Unless someone walks up and knocks on the planter they will not know it’s not the real clay of terracotta.

So, these are the best pros and cons that we can think of today.  How about you?  What do you like or not like about Terracotta garden planters and containers.

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 attache 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.

Now your Fall garden planters around your home and yard should be looking pretty spent.  The mums may have started to fade and the grasses have been beaten by the wind.  We would like to make a few suggestions on how to transition into your winter containers.

The main focus is to plant the containers with plants that will last thru the harsh winter temps and still look presentable and decorative.  In many cases, you only need to plant on center evergreen and then add a bunch of decorative items to make the whole container more dazzling and lively.

Birch branches are always a big addition.  You can tie them together to create a cluster and stick in the center of the planter.  This gives the planter height, a stark white contrast to the deep green plant that is unique.  Berry Branches are also stunning when sticking out of an evergreen.  You can cut them off an existing bush or purchase them at the local craft store.  Holly is a wonderful addition to any winter planter.

Pods and Seed Heads are very decorative.  They add a dried touch to the yard pots and can be sprayed with spray paint that matches your décor. Red, Gold & Greens look lovely for the holidays while the natural earth tones will last into the new year and still look lovely.

Conifers in all varieties are the very best.  Cedar, spruce, and boxwoods are the perfect addition to any winter container because they can handle the harsh weather and fill your planter with lots of earthy green color and texture.  Junipers, ornamental cabbage, and kale are large and work wonderfully planted around the outside of your pottery.

Now that we have given you a few suggestions for turning the Fall planters into Winter planters around your yard, patio or porch we think it is time to try thinking outside the box.  Look around your yard or your neighbor’s yard and see the different types of plants, shrubs, berries, and branches that are growing.  Try adding them into your design and create a planter that will last for many months to come.

Let’s grow a pumpkin in a flowerpot!

If you find yourself limited to a deck or patio and no yard in sight then we have the solution for how to grow your own pumpkin.  Put them in a flowerpot.  It is not that difficult and really a fun thing to do.

Of course, as with anything you are going to grow in a garden pot start by picking the container.  Pumpkins need and like room, so think big.  The larger the better.  If you want to grow mini pumpkins you can get away with a smaller container but honestly they need room to grow.

If you are a apartment dweller and only have a balcony you should use a long rectangle window box as big as you can manage.  Try to get one that is 36” long if possible and make sure whatever you use that there are drain holes in the bottom.  As with other plants the roots of these pumpkins do not like soggy soil.  Drill extra if necessary.

When selecting soil pick a potting mix that is good for containers.  Mix equal pots of mix and compost.  The compost improves the water’s retention which pumpkin vines like.  Add in a slow release fertilizer to the soil and fill the container up to 2” below the rim.

Time to add the seeds. We recommend following the seed packet directions.  Make sure to water frequently since pumpkins are thirsty. There are many varieties you can grow but we suggest you start with smaller varieties or mini pumpkins.  Get your feet wet with the little ones and then get bigger from there.

Now that Fall has arrived what do you garden planters look like?  If you are tired of cleaning out your summer containers and leave those same planters empty all fall and winter than there are a few suggestions of fall flowers that are easy, colorful and fun to pot up.

Visiting your local home and garden center will show you many of the fall flowers that are available and ready to take hope and plant in your patio pots.  During this time of the year they are so important for providing color and texture to a garden or yard that may be looking a bit worn out and tired.

Consider these flowers when redesigning your garden pottery for the yard, porch or patio.

Sunflowers – who doesn’t love these cheery yellow flowers that will last till the first frost.  They can attract songbirds and are prefect to cut and bring indoors for a decorative touch.

Daisy is another cheerful and bright addition to any plant container.  They attract butterflies, also make great cut flowers for indoor arrangements and come in many wonderful colors.

Aster is a fall flower that blooms in yellow, orange and red which means they will compliment any fall mixture of plant materials you group together in a flowerpot.  They love the sun.  Autumn crocus is similar to the spring blooming crocuses and grow up to 6” high.  Great when placed in the center of a garden container with smaller flowers surrounding it.  They require little maintenance and are perfect for all containers.

Pansies are always great for fall and perfect for garden pottery.  They have the sweetest little faces and come in all shades of colors.

Ornamental Kale & cabbage have become more and more popular and are seen planted in most fall containers.  Their colorful purple and deep green ruffled leaves add aesthetic qualities that other flowers do not.  The colors of potted cabbage and kale intensifies as it gets colder outdoors.

We hope we gave you some good suggestions on different types of flowers to pot up for fall and that you give one of them a try.  We think you will be pleased and your garden pottery will look stunning!

There are many things you need to consider when choosing garden containers for your home and garden needs.  Let’s start with the obvious and that is what is the planter going to be used for?  Are you looking for a garden pot to grow herbs and vegetables in?  Is this planter more for beauty and décor or is it to fill a blank area on the patio or porch. 

Terracotta garden pottery has been around longer than any other substance besides baskets.  It is made out of clay that breathes and is considered most healthy for a plants root system.  Terracotta is rustic and natural looking and comes in many styles and sizes.  As you must know a clay garden pot can only come so large. This is because they are fired inside a kiln and kilns are only so large. The larger the clay pot the more issues with cracks forming while being fired.

So, if you want a large garden planter you need to consider them made from mixes that can be poured into molds and cured over time instead of being fired in a kiln.  Concrete, Sandstone and Poly Resin can all be made in huge sizes since they are made with molds.  They are durable and long lasting which is what you want and need if you are using a large planter.

Glazed or ceramic colored pottery is great because it comes in shiny, colors and finishes.  Blue, Red, Green etc and so many more, where you can match your garden pottery to your home or landscape décor.  These pots are usually durable but only frost resistant which means they can’t handle the cold freezing temperatures.  Glazed garden pots are perfect for indoors where they add interest and beauty along with function to your homes design and décor.

Do you live in an apartment where you need a lightweight container where you can move it around, fill it up or take it with you when your needs change over time?  Then poly resin is the way to go. This is not an ordinary plastic pot but a commercial grade non-fade, will never crack, chip or warp or break.  With 32 color choices these are the super choice for indoors or outdoors.

We hope we gave you a few things to think about.  Call 800-420-1808 if you have further questions.

How to prep your garden containers for Fall

It’s much easier to turn a spent Summer garden container into a Fall planter than you think.  Just follow some easy tips provided below and create wonderful Fall planters.

Don’t leave your entryway garden containers empty this time of year.  Now is perfect for seasonal color and rust grasses.  Evergreen foliage will add life to any type or style of landscape container.  When you visit your local garden center you should see lots of Fall colored mums.  Bright yellow, orange and reds, deep burgundy, purple and gold.

Simply by adding a center mum and surrounding it with pumpkins, gourds and succulents you can create a wonderful Fall planter that will take you into winter and welcome your guest with warmth and beauty.  Plant rustic grass in the center of a terracotta planter then surround it with ornamental kale and cabbage with dark deep greens and purple leaves. 

Instead of just planting typical green houseplants in your entryway planters how about herbs like cilantro, thyme and oregano?  They can all handle the cooler weather.  Plant trailing ivy, gold mums and red flowers in your garden container of choice and then set pumpkins and gourds around the outside of the pot.  You don’t even have to plant anything.

Try mixing dark purple and deep green of kale and cabbage and fill around the outside of the pot with mini WHITE pumpkins and create a purple and white display of color. Stunning & elegant!

One tip that you can never fail at it to over stuff your pottery. Mix lots of plants, greens and ornamental items without space between them.  This creates a full and colorful display.  By using a neutral based color planter like terracotta or taupe you can mix tons of colors in the pot and they will all look grand.