Hello Fellow Gardeners!
Welcome to the container gardening edition of the Country Living Garden Club spring newsletter series. What I love about container gardening is that it allows anyone to garden—even if you live in an apartment with only a small patio, or if you’re like me and have a tiny yard but want ALL the plants.
In this issue, I chat with gardening expert Carmen Johnston, share the trick to making the lushest and most beautiful flowering containers, teach you how to plant a bulb lasagna (sorry, it isn’t edible), and as always, end with the perfect drink to enjoy as the sun goes down on a beautiful summer night.
Happy potting!
—Charlyne Mattox
Food & Crafts Director, Country Living
P.S. Have questions or topics you’d like me to cover? Shoot me an email at cmattox@hearst.com.
Twirl It Up: The No-Fail Formula for Stunning Porch Planters
Every year, I love to scatter pots around my yard—tucked next to the house and lining the front steps—so I can enjoy more blooms throughout the season. To create containers that look balanced and lush, I follow the simple “thriller, filler, spiller” formula: the thriller is the tall, eye-catching plant that adds height and drama; the filler consists of medium-sized plants that create fullness and texture; and the spiller is a trailing plant that softens the edges as it cascades over the sides of the pot. (Garden designer Carmen Johnston, who created the gorgeous basket arrangement pictured, follows a similar formula she calls the “3 Ts”—tall, thick, and trailing. Get more of her tips below.
Q&A with Carmen Johnston: The Secret to Gorgeous Container Gardens
I recently spoke with Georgia-based garden designer and container gardening expert Carmen Johnston about how to create planters that look great all season long. Below is just a little of what I learned, but you can find even more of our conversation here.
Q. What’s the biggest mistake people make when planting flowering containers?
A. Y’all, the No. 1 mistake I see is people not planting enough! I love to stuff and shove for that instant look, and you can always cut back in the summer if things get too crowded. And, please, be sure to use a good potting soil. Do not go cheap here, friends! Your plants are only as happy as the soil they’re sitting in, so invest in the good stuff, and you'll see the difference all season long.
Q. How do you refresh a container that’s looking tired or leggy mid-season?
A. Don’t be afraid of your pruners! Give those leggy stems a good haircut. Cut them back by a third, fertilize, water well, and walk away. Within a week or two, your container will come roaring back. If a plant is truly done, just pop it out and tuck in a fresh annual. I do this every single summer, usually around the Fourth of July. It’s like a little mid-season refresh that keeps containers looking beautiful all the way until frost.
Add to Cart: Container Gardening Finds I’m Loving Right Now
Here are three things I am excited to add to my outdoor space:
Bergs Pot: I especially love the detailing on these Danish-made pots, which range in style from modern to classic. I think I’m going to get a large Lucca pot for an olive tree and maybe a few Fleur pots in different sizes for my vintage French plant stand. (Check the store locator to find a retailer near you.)
Vego Gardens Self-Watering Garden Bed: You’ve heard me say it—I am out of room in my garden! So this year, I invested in a raised bed. I like the simple look of this one, plus it’s self-watering, so in the scorching summer heat I won’t have to worry about watering every day—or even twice a day!
Woven Willow Obelisk: I’ve been trying to add more architectural elements to my garden because they give the eye a place to rest amid a sea of plants. I love this small piece from Terrain and plan to place it in a container to support a flowering vine.
New Blooms to Know
I’m excited to try these three new plants in my containers this year.
Containers don’t have to just include flowers! Why not tuck a few herbs in there, too? This new basil variety is heat-tolerant, slow to flower, and has a branching habit that makes it perfect for pots. Plus, it will give you the perfect excuse to make some pesto!
This bush-style annual sunflower produces many 3- to 4-inch blooms all season long. The plant itself stays relatively compact, making it a great choice for large containers. Learn about other fun sunflower varieties here.
I’ve been planting a white-blooming Euphorbia for several years and am always so happy with the results, so I’m especially excited to see a pink version! This plant is easy care, will get full and bushy, and doesn’t require deadheading. Who doesn’t love a low-maintenance plant?
Dig In: Plant a “Bulb Lasagna”
Planting a “bulb lasagna” in a container is one of my favorite ways to pack lots of color into a small space. By layering different bulbs in one pot, you get waves of blooms for weeks. While bulb lasagnas are most often planted in the fall for spring flowers, you can also create one in spring using summer bloomers such as lilies, gladiolus, and dahlias. Here’s how:
Start by choosing three or four varieties of bulbs that bloom at different times.
Fill a deep container (make sure it has drainage holes) with soil until the soil line sits about 10 to 12 inches below the rim. Place the latest-blooming bulbs about 1½ inches apart (much closer together than you would plant them in the ground), then cover with a few inches of potting soil. Continue layering the remaining bulbs in the same way, adding soil between each layer. (The trick is to plant the bulbs that bloom last at the bottom of the pot and the earliest bloomers closer to the top.)
Finish with 4 to 5 inches of soil on top, water thoroughly, and add a light layer of mulch. Set the pot in a sunny spot and wait for the show to begin.
Garden to Glass: French Lemonade
You’ve grown the herbs, now it’s time to enjoy them in a cocktail. This low-ABV drink is perfect for sipping on the patio while admiring your garden on a sunny summer afternoon.
To Make: Combine 2 oz. Lillet Blanc, 3 to 4 oz. sparkling lemonade, and ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a thyme sprig. (Feel free to use homemade lemonade if you have some on hand—just add a splash of soda water for a little fizz.)
