I thought I was pretty clever when I came up with a successful formula for a plant combination in a pot. I’d make my plant selections using an “uppy,” a “downy” and a “bulky.” The uppy for height. The... more »

It seems like choices for planter filling have become very polarized these days. Gardeners either opt for a stiff boxwood ball to impart minimalist European flair or an ever-more-complex assortment of carefully studied annuals. I am proudly guilty of... more »

I love growing container gardens and keep many of them throughout my landscape. While I love the instant gratification of a 4-inch starter pot, buying dozens of them to fill all those containers gets expensive. One way to combat this is starting a number... more »

Have you ever heard that anything that grows in the ground can be grown in a container? That's true, even for roses. While potted roses have additional watering and fertilizing requirements, they are wonderful for patios, decks and balconies, making them... more »

Winter is typically a time when the garden sleeps. This goes for container gardens as well. But there are a number of things you can do this season to ensure success during and after the long winter's nap. more »

Winter can be bland at the best of times. While the structure plants of your garden can usually hold interest all year, containers that punctuate key areas of the space in the summer can look pretty tired once winter rolls around. We like to combat this... more »

Whatever we call them, pots, tubs and containers have been a feature of gardens since people started gardening. Their versatility is perhaps their greatest asset, especially as gardens become smaller and there's more pressure about how to use the limited... more »

Unless you live in a mild climate, chances are that your container gardens look a bit drab during the winter months. Instead of emptying your pots and hoping for an early spring, create a holiday arrangement that can add a bit of cheer through even the... more »

Whoever suggested we "deck the halls with boughs of holly" clearly wasn't also trying to cook a turkey, wrap gifts and bake dozens of cookies. Planting a container garden is rarely on the holiday to-do list, yet it is such a perfect way to welcome friends... more »

Maybe a kumquat or pomegranate is not the symbol of autumn that a chrysanthemum is, but in California and other mild climates, they can put on a fall show of their own — and will thrive in pots for several years, not just several weeks. For... more »

Halloween is around the corner, and if you're lucky, soon droves of candy-seeking ghouls and goblins will be at your door. Does your entryway show your holiday spirit? If not, here are some terrific black-hued plants to make a hauntingly memorable... more »

When it comes to container gardens, your first thought is typically about what you'll be planting. The vessel to contain your plants is often an afterthought. But with a little attention to the type of container you use, you can ensure that your creation... more »

Freshman gardeners sometimes think they need to do everything "correctly" — like buying new state-of-the-art tools, planters and soil. The secret that veteran gardeners know is that creative gardening can be done with a little humor, a little money... more »

When summer winds down, your container gardens may be looking past their prime. Perhaps a plant or two didn’t make it — or you have the opposite problem: They did so well that they’re taking over your container (sweet potato vine, anyone?). If this... more »