A Rustic Garden Blog

Growing your plants in containers allows you to enjoy gardening in a limited space where a garden might not have been expected, and can encourage you to experiment with plants that may not otherwise thrive in your particular climate. You can combine plants that help each other survive-for example, oregano will discourage insects that feed on broccoli and make beans taste better. To learn more about beneficial plant combinations and other ins and outs of container gardening, don’t forget that one of the most important gardening supplies is a good book.

There are a number of other benefits to container gardening.  Container gardening is a great way to use a unique urn or pot you might have picked up, not knowing what you were going to use it for at the time.  You may use a boot or shoe, an apple barrel, hanging baskets, buckets, or any number of other receptacles to grow your plants in.  A container garden can really dress up an entrance, balcony, deck, or other area that looks a bit sparse.

Wrought iron window boxes accent your home when planted with beautiful annuals. Christy Alley ordered iron planters from us and told her designer that she wanted the flowers “dripping” from the planters.

I have planted many for customers and begin by wrapping the metal planters with plastic wrap to contain the sphagnum moss. Moss has a natural look that helps retain  moisture. Burlap or coco liners can be substituted to save costs. Keep in mind that moss will last several years and the cheaper substitutes give out sooner.

Use wet potting soil and pack it well to get lots of fertile product to plant your flowers in. I stuff every inch with plants!  Some are flowering  and some have  unique colors of foliage. Of course there will be lots of vining colorful flowers dripping over the edge.

You can add hanging baskets anywhere to add color to your outdoor living. I hang wrought iron baskets lined with moss to my pergola but always add a few shade loving flower baskets under my tree.

A Rustic Garden has a huge selection of baskets that can hang from your outdoor walls or sit on your porch or patio. Consider a shabby chic white iron product that will contrast with the moss for added interest.