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[SG] Fw: container garden

-----Original Message-----
From: John & Pat Adney <johnadney@email.msn.com>
To: shadegardens@maelstrom.st.johns.edu
<shadegardens@maelstrom.st.johns.edu>
Date: Tuesday, July 07, 1998 10:33 AM
Subject: container garden


>Hello everyone:
>
>I completed just before the Fourth weekend a new flower bed  devoted to
>containers.
>
>Why? As arthritis curbs my ability to care for large perennial borders, I
>have been giving serious consideration to container gardening. The results
>of my first container garden will determine how deep I get into this field
>of growing. It looks like it will be pretty deep.
>
>The new plot, half of which receives about 3 hours of afternoon sun, is
>15x5 feet against the rear of our house. It originally contained small
hosta
>and other small shade-loving perennials. Unfortunately, they did not thrive
>because of lousy dirt. These plants are being moved to a new shade garden
>with better soil.
>
>The "star" of the container garden is a variegated-leaved redtwig dogwood,
>which was planted directly into the ground, not in a container. This shrub
>provides size, plus color throughout the growing season. The remainder of
>the plants, all annuals at this point, are in plastic or clay pots.
>
>To go with the variegated dogwood, I planted several large pots with
>variegated impatiens whose floral colors are red, rose, purple and white.
>The blossoms are double, though there are a few single flowering varieties
>with green leaves. Fibrous (bedding) begonias also are in pots. The section
>that receives 3 or so hours of afternoon sun has two pots containing
>pelargoniums (geraniums).
>
>A few stones and a stepping stone with a gardening message add interest.
>
>The plot is covered by weed barrier cloth topped with woodchips.
>
>I spent about 7 hours on the project, including moving existing plants,
>cleaning up the site, putting down the cloth and chips, and planting the
>containers. It was a fun experience, though it took longer than normal as a
>result of being slowed by arthritis.
>
>We also have a few containers on our deck, including one planted with a
>patio tomato. Next season I intend to try other mini vegetables on the
deck,
>including a bush cucumber that does not require staking.
>
>The front side of the house is being containerized. This site has several
>shrubs and a small shrub rose that grows well in part shade. Containers of
>pelargonium, various annuals, sempervivums (hen and chicks) and sedum will
>fill this area, which gets afternoon sun. Already installed is an old metal
>milk can from a dairy farm; this tall container has been painted with
>flowers and holds a pot of bright pink New Guinea impatiens with variegated
>leaves. By this time next year the site should look great.
>
>Another container border is planned for next year. This one, on the sunny
>south side of the house, will contain annuals, semps and sedum.
>
>Gardening in containers is perfect for anyone, handicapped or not. It's
>easier to weed, feed, water and enjoy. Garden art or small fountains can
add
>to the enjoyment.
>
>No, the perennial beds will not disappear, though containers will creep in
>there, too, as I look for ways to make gardening easier.
>
>John G. Adney
>Freelance Writer/Editor/Horticulturist
>Marion, Iowa (on the line in zones 4-5, east central Iowa)
>
>
>
>
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