Containerscaping

Tall, brightly colored rectangular pots planted with slow-growing shrubbery set in the entryway of a condo. An old discarded bathtub filled with vivid annuals at the corner of a gravel road next to a cedar fence. Colorful coffee cans clustered on the backyard deck bursting with herbs. Old work boots overflowing with hens and chicks plants on the front stoop. Gigantic, primary colored circular pots with miniature trees lining a short blacktop driveway.

The relatively new trend of containerscaping is more than the typical red geranium and greenery in the customary salmon-colored clay pot on each step of the porch. The combination of containers and plants is only limited by your own imagination and creativity.

According to Cindy Jeffers, retail manager at Landsystems Nursery in Bend, containerscaping is a new buzz word, thanks in part to Pinterest. But, the concept has been around for years, especially in larger cities. As Central Oregon experiences higher density living and growing urban lifestyles, containerscaping is becoming increasingly popular.

“Containerscaping is great for people who have limited space/zero lot lines, as well as those who want to add pizazz to their large yard,” said Jeffers, who was instrumental in developing Landsystems Nursery 32 years ago. “You can add color without a lot of digging and weeding.”

Jeffers said it is important to use pots and plants appropriate for the size of your space. Containers that are all the same shape, color and size in a vast area doesn’t give as dramatic of an effect as using one large pot in a small space. Pots and plants should fit the style of your home as well, keeping in mind the adage that odd numbers look more natural than even numbers.

When planting your piece of art, make it visually appealing: use one or two plants such as grasses for height, add medium sized flowers, then finish with plants that trail over the sides such as wave petunias. Another factor when designing your creation is ensuring all the plants within a container require the same amount of water and sun. Knowing which types of plants work well together is important, but using the proper soil is essential to giving the plants a foundation.

“Using potting soil and not native dirt is the key to healthy plants in containers,” said Linda Stephenson, owner of L&S Gardens in La Pine. “Potting soil has more aeration pebbles and allows better drainage. Too tight of soil will rot the plants.”

Since many containers are mobile, you can grow a wider variety of plants over a longer time than the usual planting season with containerscaping. You can even get a head start by planting the containers inside (remember the saying of not planting a garden until the snow is off Black Butte). If you put your containers on plant caddies, they can easily be moved from the patio or yard into a frost-protected area at night.

Containerscaping isn’t limited to annuals. Perennials such as hosta, lavender, mint and sage thrive in pots. Make sure to protect them over the winter with extra mulch, or bring indoors. Dwarf variety evergreens are also great container options.

Fast-growing cylindrical plants such as Karl Foerster or arborvitae planted in large pots on a deck or patio can offer privacy from neighbors. Both plants winter well, giving a sense of seclusion year-round.

Even vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, kale, chard, tomatoes, radishes and even cucumbers are popular choices for backyard pot gardens.

While containerscaping offers more flexibility and versatility than planting in the ground, and is also easier on the back, both Jeffers and Stephenson caution against over or under watering your plants. Implementing a watering system, such as drip irrigation, to prevent you from feeling married to the continual care of your container garden is a must, not only for the survival of the well-thought-out design, but for your own enjoyment.

Whether planting in a cluster of colorful pots, an old garbage can, a watering trough, or a discarded tire, with containerscaping you can craft a work of garden art, using your imagination to create something that is an extension of your own personality.