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Annuals for containers are great for novice gardeners or anyone who wants to add interest and colour to their porch or patio. The most eye-catching arrangements combine contrasting colours, textures and leaf sizes for optimal interest.
Here are my top 10 suggestions for plants to include in container arrangements or hanging baskets:
Given a weekly drink of plant food, you’ll be rewarded with a strong flower show all summer long on wispy vines that trail down the pot or rise vertically on a trellis.
This emerald beauty has leaves that spread upwards and out in a fan shape presenting a fern-like appearance. Often grown as house plants, these tropical superstars provide visual height and drama in outdoor containers.
At 3’tall with tropical-like foliage and large flowers (red, orange, or yellow) that resemble irises, canna lilies are an ideal container centrepiece in a large pot.
A nonstop flowering, easy-growing pink petunia that never needs to be deadheaded. It’s gorgeous in a pot, delivering punches of color until fall frost.
Begonia explodes with prolific blooms that hummingbirds can’t resist. Colors hold best in afternoon shade, but some varieties tolerate full sun too. This is a ‘self-cleaning’ plant, meaning the flowers drop off as they fade so you never need to remove them.
A true showstopper with its unique vine-like sprawling appearance and opening flowers in rich tones of pink, orange, gold and purple that fade from hue to hue as the blossoms age. Flowers beckon butterflies and hummingbirds.
Also known as million bells, this cutie resembles a mini-petunia, with varieties offering a rainbow of color combinations and patterns.
A classic for containers and baskets, geraniums deliver strong color all season long. These plants love the heat but you’ll have to take a minute to remove any spent blossom heads to promote continuous blooming.
Uused for its shiny purple foliage (like Coleus), it makes a great contrast or backdrop for plants with bright-colored flowers (foliage color is best in part shade).
This plant is loved for its unique chartreuse, purple or bronze foliage. It’s naturally trailing habit makes it the perfect ‘spill-over’ plant for hanging baskets.
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Discover the best timing for starting seeds and ensure successful plant growth. Learn the factors to consider and get expert tips for a thriving garden.
I decided to make gooseberry jelly instead of jam as it takes less preparation time. Last year’s gooseberry gin was delicious as well.
Trout lily has stunning yellow flowers that bloom in the early spring. Trout lilies can blanket the forest floor as they mature. Read on.
A south facing window is an excellent place to keep houseplants, as long as you pick the right plants and protect them from extreme sun.
Judith offers advice on getting ready for ordering your seeds in January now and for planting seeds which you have in hand.
Discover the spiritual symbolism and practical uses of Japanese bridges – from their history in the Heian Period to their iconic red color. An exploration of their history, design, and spiritual impact on the Japanese garden experience.
Focus your energy on new skills if your landscaping demands too much of your time. Embrace some low-maintenance landscaping principles.
Explore the aromatic world of lemon verbena, a beloved garden plant with intense lemon-flavored oils. Learn how to grow, overwinter, and incorporate this amazing herb into your culinary creations.
I’m making Nasturtium Vinaigrette by straining my nasturtium vinegar. I like to use basil as my herb, but you can use whatever herb you want.
We plant and sow for tomorrow. There is some faith on the part of the gardener mixed into the recipe of each successful garden.
Maiden grass is a popular, rich, tall, full-bodied herbaceous perennial and hardy ornamental grass. Learn how to use and care in your home.
Discover the key supplies and expert tips you need to successfully start your own seeds at home. Find out how to choose the right soil, reuse plastic pots, label your seed starts, and more!
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