Gardens Galore by Karen Brewka

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Spring Lists Bring Summer Bliss, Part 2

When choosing flowers for summer containers, knowing what colour, size and type of plant is the way to start. For example, light colours and whites look best against a dark siding or house colour while darks look good against a light background. Bluey greens, blues, purples and purply reds work well together. Add a splash of complimentary colour (opposite on the colour wheel) for contrast. Many of these cooler colours become luminous in a shady, north-side location.

Yellows, oranges and orangey reds go well together and look great in a sunny spot. Plan your colour schemes ahead and then choose from plants that will do well where you want them to spend the summer. Location is more important than colour. An orangey tuberous begonia will wilt in a sunny spot but will do well in a spot protected from direct sun and wind. Reputable garden centre staff will help you to make good decisions about what flowers will grow well where.

Tall, spiky plants like grasses and sunflowers look good in a large container. Surround spiky plants with shorter rounded masses like petunias, marigolds, geraniums, margarites or coleus. The contrast in form will draw the eye. Big leaved plants like datura can command a container all by themselves and can be a feature surrounded by smaller containers. Trailing ivies, wave petunias, lobelias and other viney plants are great for hanging baskets.

Don't forget the neutrals! Whites, grays, greeny grays and beiges will bring out the brightness of your colour choices.

So, let's plan a container. You have a large half barrel in a hot sunny location on an exposed deck or in a perennial bed. Your list might read:
1 tall, spiky plant, green or beige
3 rounded medium bushy flowers, bronze or yellow
6 smaller rounded flowers, yellow and blue

Garden centre staff may recommend a tall ornamental grass, 3 Crackerjack marigolds, and 6 pansies. But wait! You might need a neutral as well. Add 2 margarites to your purchase. Plant the grass in the centre surrounded by the marigolds and margarites, Tuck the pansies in around the outside. The pansies will be great through spring and early summer while the marigolds and margarites are growing. As the larger plants get bigger, the pansies will be done and can be pulled out. The grass, the marigolds and the margarites will last 'til fall. Pull off (deadhead) the blooms as they are finished. This will encourage further blooming.

Let your imagination run free. There's no reason not to mix vegetables in with your flowers if they fit your general colour scheme. Bright new lettuce makes a great contrast with purples and purply reds. A zucchini can fill up a large container all by itself, providing interest with their large leaves and zucchini bread at the end of the summer.

The Valley Neighbours Garden Club meets every third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. For information call Susan at 403 – 933 – 7675.

The Horticultural Club meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm. For information call Sheila at 403 – 931 – 3989.