Progress In The Patio Gardens
I’ve made a lot of progress in the patio gardens. This galvanized garden, or at least that’s what I call it, is filling out nicely.
There is of course lots of green and several colors in this container. Geraniums, daisies and verbena, just to name a few.
I go out each evening and see if I need to dead-head flowers or snip a bit. Don’t let your plants get leggy. Cut them back and they will start to show more bushy growth.
I have been cutting the plants back regularly so that they will look their best.
Charlie on the patio:
Charlie Ross is having a little rest. You can see my bad grooming job. I found out I was going the wrong way with the clippers.
I think I may need to take them back to the groomer who will give them a more professional cut!
Scented herbs:
A mixture of both flowers and herbs in a container has always looked pleasing to me. And the different scents mixing together is even better.
Sometimes I add ornamental grasses to the mix for height and texture.
Dogs & herbs:
Abi’s having a little herbal snack. They go right for the herbs when their tummy is hurting. And that’s okay for the most part. Most herbs are just fine for dogs to munch on.
But make sure you read up on them before you put them where your dogs can nibble on them. You don’t want them to get into something toxic.
So as you see, you can grow lush gardens in containers. All it takes is minimal maintenance and watering. It has been raining, so that helps.
Don’t discount a container garden over one planted in the ground. Container gardens can be just as pretty. You can place them in various areas depending on light and shade.
And the best part is that they’re easier to care for.
Gosh, I envy your green thumb!
Everything looks so lush and gorgeous! You obviously have a very green thumb:) I'm hoping my next apartment has a little outdoor space.
Your containers look wonderful with all the variety of plants and herbs! I found a "Sun" wall plaque at a garage sale last week that had a broken piece off one section of the rays – but heck, it was only 10 cents!! His smiling face will soon be peaking out of vines and the broken part covered anyway. Who doesn't love a bargain for garden yard art!
Brenda, Be careful with galvanized tubs for planters. Don't put anything in them you will eat. Kathy
I love how you mix things in containers that I never would have thought of. That takes Talent (with a capital T!). Everything you have is bushing out like crazy!! Enjoy your little slice of heaven! 🙂
XO,
Jane
I love looking at your patio container garden. I think it's more beautiful than any I've seen cause you're so inventive. Who would think to put morning glories in a container, for example? Your creativity would be great for a book or at least a garden magazine feature…..good work!
Like I always say: Just think outside the box.
Everything looks beautiful, Brenda! You know, you can also grow potatoes in a large pot! I know you and the pup-stars love those. Can't wait to see the vines growing up the fence. I bet you really enjoy being able to sit out in your refuge and enjoy the quiet. Did you ever figure out a way to have a fountain somewhere? They make solar ones now, too….no cords!
Enjoy your garden!! Can you sit out during the day, or is it already too warm?
It's not the warmth that bothers me as much as the humidity. No, didn't figure out how to use my fountain yet. Just sitting out there on the potting bench. I have two big clear plastic containers. Wonder if I could just put holes in the bottom and grow potatoes there?
Herbs mixed with flowers – you have helped me realize how I want to plant my basil and rosemary this year 🙂
They are so pretty together! Just make sure you get plants tolerant of the same amount of sun, etc. Most herbs like at least 6 hours of sun.
I can tell from the tone of your post that gardening gives you great pleasure, and I think your plants know it ;).
I hope so!
It all looks wonderful, Brenda…everything is growing so nicely and quickly there! 🙂
And I don't use fertilizer.
Beautiful as always Brenda!!!!
The container gardens look great.
Have a nice week.
Denise
I guess it can be said that I "container garden"…even though we have 4 acres. I found out about 3 years ago– it is so much simpler to grow our veggies in bed boxes, rather than straight in the ground. There weeds are fewer and it's easier to manage. I've also found that having some plants in baskets (hanging) some in pots …or any other container…makes for a much more interesting garden. I have my veggies growing right in the front yard now– for years NO grass has grown there and the dust and dirt made a mess inside and out…I built the bed boxes out front, there is a variety of SUN AND SHADE spots for different plants and we've been successful with having veggies–the bonus is, no more dust!
So it can be said– that just because you have the space to grow a garden doesn't mean you can't do it a box (ie: container instead) You should grow some veggies, girl!
Pat
You're so right, Pat! Even if you have an abundance of land, it might be clay soil or not hospitable to what you want to grow. With containers, you can add the type of soil you want. And an added bonus is that if one is getting too much sun, you can move it!
Can't herbs be classified as veggies???
I suppose so– you can eat them. Heck! You can even eat some of the flowers you have planted–and some of the roots of others!
Pat
I can hardly believe what you have done on your patio in this small amount of time…You truly amaze me Brenda..also thanks for the tip about trimming plants back..now I know what I need to do with the ones that get long and overgrown looking..and of course the pups are always adorable..
I just cut at the top of a set of leaves. Don't know if it's the correct way or not. But mine don't seem to be complaining. That gives it a more natural look.
Your patio looks so good Brenda! I love all the herbs.
Kathy
And the thing is, I hardly do a thing. Water some, prune some. Mostly just enjoy them.
Needs some pots of veggies
I know…
I think you really have a green thumb! All of your plants are thriving. You've done such a good job making your patio pretty and full of nature. I think a lot of city dwellers have container gardens. I guess that's what you have now
I just want people to understand that no matter where they reside, they can have a garden of some capacity.
Absolutely amazing patio garden! All of your plants and flowers are so lush and healthy looking. I sure wish I had your touch. I always enjoy photos of your adorable pupsters. I love how Charlie is sitting on the back of a chair. So cute!
I don't how he manages to straddle the chair cushion. But he does and looks quite comfy.
Look at the expression on Chatlie Ross' face! Isn't he something!
He's a hoot!
Your containers garden is so pretty!!
~Cindy
I love in ground gardens. But I think I'm liking the containers gardens even better because it's just so much easier.
Your garden looks charming – a treat in every direction! And it will just keep getting better and better!
So much easier to take care of in containers!
I can't believe how lush it is already, Brenda. It looks great. xo Laura
And it's lush because I keep cutting the top growth.
I've always been afraid to trim plants back, but will do so now! In a few weeks we won't recognize that patio at all! The neighboring botanical gardens will be coming to you for advice! What herbs are the dogs eating?
They like the pineapple sage and lemon verbena.
Wow! It really looks nice Brenda. Manageable too. I have tomatoes, peppers, jaapenoes, onions and chives in pots. It is so much easier to manage. You've done a great job!
Oh, much easier to manage. I don't think I'll be digging a hole with a shovel ever again.
Love, love, love them all, especially the morning glory, callas, petunia, and herb grouping – so bright and bubbly! I've started…but haven't finished. Soon, I hope! Thanks for all the great tips; your green thumb has made its mark!
Poppy
I think my green thumb stems from true love of nature and plants. I've always loved them.
Brenda, When we get a bit older and can't do those large gardens all over the yard , these container gardens are just wonderful. Sure beats bending over all the time. xoxo, Susie
These kind of gardens are great for those of us who are aging, those that are handicapped or in a wheelchair, etc. Containers make it so easy. No weeding or digging.
Your patio is lookin' good. It has not been that long and it is already getting more lush and things are filling in. I hope you are taking some time out every day to enjoy it. Have a nice Sunday.
Yes ma'am, I surely am! I go out there each morning and evening and just enjoy gazing at it.
Your patio/garden is such a happy place. Your pictures are all so pretty
Charlie is sitting on the back of the chair like he used to sit on the back of your couch.. I think that is HIS chair.. ;o)
I'm happy that you're enjoying your lantern. It will be so nice with the vines around it.. I love mine.
I made your beef/noodle dish yesterday.. I'm still getting compliments from my son.. Will surely be making it again.. It was so easy and was/is delicious..
Charlotte
I need to make that. But it will heat up the kitchen for three hours…
Beautiful is all I can say!
Judy
Why thank you, JuJu!
Your garden containers look awesome – and good advice – we can easily make beauty we e're we go, yes? I always think of those amazingly lush rooftop gardens in the heat of the huge Concrete Jungle Cities – if they can do it we certainly are able to do so as well!
I love Charlie Ross lounging – so cute straddling that chair's cushion, so adorable.
I know. It kills me how he straddles that thing. Abi doesn't do that.