Brugmansia flowers always make a statement in a container. photo credit: D. Mattis

Flowers are natural attention-grabbers—it’s literally the role they were born to play to attract pollinators, so it’s not surprising gardeners use flowering plants for an instant wow-factor. Yet, as charming as they are, flowers are also fleeting and if the weight of your design relies heavily on these transitory blooms, you’ll be left with a lackluster show once they’re spent.

To bolster the longevity and interest of your design, choose half your plants for either exciting foliage—think elephant ears (Colocasia sp.). photo credit: D. Mattis

To bolster the longevity and interest of your design, choose half your plants for either exciting foliage—think bromeliads or elephant ears (Colocasia sp.) —or quirky forms—like corkscrew rush (Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’). That way flowering plants can run the other half of the show.

Sweet potato vine’s (Ipomoea batatas) vigorous growth and intense color make it a favorite among spillers. photo credit: R. Robert

As you select your plants, visualize their roles as potential spillers, fillers, or thrillers. Spillers provide a base that gracefully cascades from the container, giving the composition a more vertical form. Sweet potato vine’s (Ipomoea batatas) vigorous growth and intense color make it a favorite among spillers.

Fillers weave throughout, for a happy medium that unifies the composition. photo credit: R. Robert

Fillers weave throughout, for a happy medium that unifies the composition. Coleus, Swedish ivy, (Plectranthus sp.) and begonias are excellent fillers with varieties of color and texture.

Thrillers, of course, are the stars of the show. Check out the color on this thriller. photo credit: D. Mattis

Thrillers, of course, are the stars of the show. Often dominating containers with intense form, color or size, thrillers demand attention and are typically the crown jewel of an eye-catching display. Cannas are often used as thrillers for their dramatic vertical form, saturated blooms and bold foliage. Bananas (Musa sp. and Ensete sp.) instantly add an exotic twist, and ornamental flax (Phormium sp.) offers a kaleidoscope of colored stripes to suit nearly any container design.

Explore a variety of plant combinations in unique containers. photo credit: R. Robert

Be Bold!

When it comes to container gardening with tropicals and annuals, don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of plant combinations and design strategies. Like any art form, design guidelines can be tweaked, stretched or abandoned altogether to make way for something completely new and completely you! Your imagination is the only limit!

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This complete article originally appeared in County Lines April 2015 issue.

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As if the blooms were not dazzling enough, the foliage does not disappoint as it transitions from a deep red, reminiscent of wine, to a remarkable purplish-green hue. The foliage alone provides a spectacle that entertains from spring to fall.

Highly versatile in the garden, this compact, multi-stemmed shrub flourishes as either a container plant or part of a border design. Proven to be among the hardiest of the crepe myrtles, Pink Velour® has no problem toughing out an early frost. Also, it has been praised for its high resistance to powdery mildew, a common garden pest, as well as drought.

Lagerstroemia indica Pink Velour® is the 2015 Scott Associates spring dividend. Members can pick up their dividend at the Unusual Tropicals and Annuals Sale on Saturday, May 16 from 10 am to 3 pm.

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Identifying the appropriate scale to suit your space will help you plan the composition of your design as well as how much growing medium you’ll need to keep your plants happy and healthy. photo credit: R. Robert

Is your canvas a front stoop or an acre lot? A mature garden or a blank slate? Identifying the appropriate scale to suit your space will help you plan the composition of your design as well as how much growing medium you’ll need to keep your plants happy and healthy.

This large container is making a statement in the Isabelle Cosby Courtyard. photo credit: D. Mattis

Choosing the largest container for your space and budget is best, as larger amounts of growing media help hold moisture in the soil. And it provides a smaller margin of error.

If you’re parti¬al to smaller containers, create groupings in threes to experiment with design elements such as texture, repetition, and juxtaposition of unlikely neighboring plants. photo credit: R. Robert

If you’re parti­al to smaller containers, create groupings in threes to experiment with design elements such as texture, repetition, and juxtaposition of unlikely neighboring plants. Regardless of size, it’s better to use peat-free, compost-based, manufactured soils, since they’re more porous than garden soil and provide better drainage.

When it comes to the material of your container, consider alternatives to standard terra cotta or cast stone. photo credit: R.Robert

When it comes to the material of your container, consider alternatives to standard terra cotta or cast stone. In recent years, gardeners have become experimental, using everything from whiskey barrels to watering cans as new homes for their plants. But, if you plan to use your summer containers for winter interest, then consider concrete, metal, lead, plastic or fiberglass composite containers because they weather the elements well.

Fortunately, there are nearly as many variations in container styles as there are plants! Once you’ve decided on the scale and material, next consider the “theme” or “personality” of your composition. photo credit: R. Robert

Fortunately, there are nearly as many variations in container styles as there are plants! Once you’ve decided on the scale and material, next consider the “theme” or “personality” of your composition. If your plants will be wild and exciting, a modest container may work best. Or, if you want to feature muted plant personalities, a showier vessel will carry the weight of the design.

This complete article originally appeared in County Lines April 2015 issue.

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A mass of sedge removed from the garden is being divided into pots for the Members Plant Exchange and Sale. photo credit: G. Bryne

Here are some tips on how to divide sedges:

1. First, dig out a portion of the sedge mass in accordance in the size of pots you are willing to part with. Next, when you begin to divide your plant in either halves or quarters, you may find a range in difficulty. While some roots pull apart with ease, others will be more stubborn and call for the use of a small garden axe or knife.

A volunteer teases apart the roots of the Carex. photo credit: G. Byrne

2. To insure that the roots of your newly divided plant do not dry out, try to limit their time out of the soil and their exposure to direct sunlight. Choosing an overcast day to repot your plants, even if you are not dividing, can be a beneficial decision.

The repotted Carex have been cut back to their new growth. photo credit: G. Bryne

3. Cut back the plant to the point of new growth, encouraging it to flush out once more; however, it is important to evaluate the state and type of plant before cutting back or pruning.

4. Finally, provide a refreshing drink of water and allow the soil to settle in.

Note: A similar division process can be followed for some herbaceous perennials such as Amsonia hubrichtii and Helleborus x hybridus.

A cart full of garden treasures found at the Members Plant Exchange and Sale. photo credit: H. Kalish

Want to join in on the event, but have no plants to contribute? No problem! Once the Exchange ends, well over a thousand plants remain for sale to members. Most are priced at $1, with just a few larger or exceptional woodies somewhat higher. As an important reminder, both the Exchange and Sale are open only to Associates of the Scott Arboretum, but you are encouraged to become a member and join in the fun.  New (first time) members receive tokens redeemable for three plants at the Exchange.  With all of the many other benefits of the Scott Arboretum to enjoy it’s never hard to justify the modest membership fee, but with this event you could easily recoup your investment in just a few hours!

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The sweeping waves of Amsonia hubrectii in the John W. Nason Garden are continually divided to maintain their vitality. photo credit: Scott Arboretum Archives

Is it dominated by one type of plant? If so, dividing your masses will temporarily tame the dominant species as well as free up space for new plant experimentation.

Chartreuse colors of Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' and Rhus typhina Tiger Eyes(R) provide an accent plant in the John W. Nason Garden. photo credit: D. Mattis

Do you always tend to garden in one style? Though you may be married to one type of garden style, consider dividing a mass to make room for an accent plant. The contrast will highlight your design intent, strengthening your concept.

The Pollinator Garden marries Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus', Eupatorium purpureum subsp. maculatum 'Gateway', and Rudbeckia maxima as great companion plants. photo credit: R. Robert

Have you tried to contribute to the vitality of your garden through companion plants? Imitation is the highest form of flattery! Nature inherently designs with companion plants; now, you can too! By complementing one another through pollination, aesthetics, and improved garden health, companion plants thrive together when planted in the right places. Make room for fast friends!

Members Plant Exchange and Sale is a great place to share plants and discover new ones. photo credit: H. Kalish

Asking these questions can be eye-opening and will help you make room in your garden for new plants. Bring your potted divisions to the Members’ Plant Exchange on Saturday, May 10th and start sharing great garden plants. If you’d like to find out if other gardeners will be contributing companion plants that will complement your existing garden, simply join the conversation on the Scott Arboretum Facebook page! No matter what your gardening goals are, we can’t wait to see you on Saturday, May 10^th for our 19th Annual Members’ Plant Exchange & Sale!

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