Like a dog with a bone, it's pretty hard to shake me away from container gardening during the month of May. I'm still working at composing mine but I thought I'd share the latest with you ~ I hope I'm not giving you "container overload?" That would be a foreign concept to me but I realize not everyone is into them with the same passion. If you fall into that category, simply skip this post!
First up is my "Birdhouse" container ~ you may remember this one from last season? I planted a Clematis 'Josephine' at the base of the post and now, in it's second year, it's starting to take off & give a glimpse of how I envisioned it would look:
Barring any casualties or unforeseen circumstances, imagine how full and lush it will be in year three?! As you can see, there are only two blooms on the entire vine (at least so far) but those two are making me very happy.
'Josephine' is already one pretty girl ~ and she's not even in her prime yet. I'll be sure to share her fully matured! The remaining contents of this container have been switched up since last year. This season, the other "big players" are Violet tubeflowers, pink phormium, & Lion's Ear. We'll see how that combination pans out ~ it could be scary or spectacular ~ I'm taking a gamble.
Next up is the "Croton" container. It's a partial shade one so the contents reflect that. Also, don't judge it too harshly, it's in it's infancy and will definitely be much more impressive as it grows "into itself" throughout the season.
Right now, the croton is the "star" of the container but I think it will get competition from the other inhabitants as they get their "pot legs" under them! Those other inhabitants include (2) different coleus (name tags already misplaced), one 'Sonic Salmon' New Guinea Impatien, (2) Calibrachoas, and (1) Lysimachia congestiflora. It will be fun to look back at the end of summer and compare these photos to the "fully matured" ones.
If you like planting containers you probably already know about Fine Gardenings "Container Gardening" issue. If you don't, you should without a doubt, check it out and bring one home. I buy one every year and I can certify that it overflows with inspiration. This years issue looks like this:
I can tell you, after four years of purchasing these issues, they've certainly elevated my thought process about planting a container. I never realized what artistry was involved prior to studying them but there is definitely art at work, from the colors & shape of the pot to the plants therein.
For those of you who are not container gardeners, I promise to be back in the garden next post. :-)
Your container plantings are always so creative Kathleen. I love that Croton and the tan pot really sets off the bright colors of the other stuff. :)
Posted by: Racquel | May 19, 2010 at 11:24 AM
Josephine is a beauty, indeed. And as one who gardens almost exclusively in containers, I never tire of reading about projects and ideas! I must see if I can lay my hands on a copy of that magazine.
Posted by: Nancy Bond | May 19, 2010 at 12:05 PM
I may make a special stop at Borders for a copy. My annuals are still sitting around waiting to go into my big blue container and I'm waiting for inspiration.
Marnie
Posted by: marnie | May 19, 2010 at 01:12 PM
Kathleen, You are always very inspiring! I just planted three containers (I really need your touch!) of which I WILL NOT show a photo! ha. They really aren't done, but I couldn't wait to get started. ;-)
Must tell you that my Queen of the Prairie is looking rather stately this year! I'll post before too long.
Posted by: Shady Gardener | May 19, 2010 at 02:33 PM
I love these container posts! I love how you have 'Josephine' in the pot like that. Did you cut her back? Yours definitely looks much better than mine.
I also love the Croton container, really pretty!
Posted by: Catherine | May 19, 2010 at 02:42 PM
Your container with the birdhouse and vine looks sweet. I like the way you put the colours together in the foliage container with the croton, and its pot too. I've had fun planting some annual containers, but wouldn't be able to overwinter perennials in pots. The magazine issue looks inspiring.
Posted by: Northern Shade | May 19, 2010 at 05:50 PM
I agree that container gardening is an art and an under-practiced art at that. I love all of the containers you've shown so far. You have a real flair for it!
Posted by: Sweet Bay | May 19, 2010 at 06:31 PM
Your containers are all so lovely. I was actually planting some today and I was thinking to myself, "Hmmm, how would Kathleen arrange it?":)
Posted by: tina | May 19, 2010 at 06:51 PM
You do have some excellent containers and if you recommend this magazine I'll get it. I am generally quite happy with their other publications! I've been surprised how happy clemmies are in containers...I think they like the drainage and I do keep their roots cool with a nice thick mulch! gail
Posted by: Gail | May 20, 2010 at 05:50 PM
That second image of Josephine is gorgeous. I love clematis!
Posted by: Kala | May 20, 2010 at 10:53 PM