Containers for Spring Colour

This year we have increased the number of pots with Spring bulbs and colour. The logic is simple, pots can be concentrated by the patio and terrace, the slightly more sheltered parts of the garden and the areas visible from indoors. We have planted out bulb lasagnas for years but this year we have gone much further.

The front of the house has always been the prettiest area in the spring, starting with the snow drops, daffodils, clematis and blue bells. Consequently, it was about time to put a little more focus on the back of the property.

Container and pots create instant impact in your garden. I enjoy the freedom to re-position the best looking pots into the most visible area. It is possible to grow just about any plant in a pot (at least in theory) as you can tailor the aspect, soil, drainage and, to a degree, most of the climatic variables, to suit your specimens. You can use a pot as a focal point, to add instant colour or to grow plants that won't normally grow in your soil. When they are spent the pots can be hidden away and in many instances the plants or bulbs can be saved for next year or even planted out into one of your beds.

The containers themselves are also important. The terrace will normally have just black or white pots to keep the theme but different colours styles and types can really enhance a dull corner or become a real statement. For practical purposes, I like to use plastic pots for the larger containers, this way they can more easily repositioned, an important consideration when they otherwise could be very heavy items.

There are many sources of inspiration on the net, such as David Domoney's blog, but if you like some of these ideas then please leave a comment.