Early Spring Container Designs for Four Seasons of ImpactBy the time the first week in February rolls around,
I’m already tired of winter. My yearning for spring begins to
build and I long to see the bright green sprouts of new life. It is
during the end of these dreary winter days, that I depend on beautiful
evergreen perennials and colorful annuals to carry me through winter and
transition my soul for
spring. Containers are a great way to create a big impact
without a lot of work. Designing your containers with beautiful
evergreen perennials and shrubs, (we call these “bones”),
allows you to inexpensively replace only the seasonal color.
So every 2-3 months your containers will have a fresh
seasonal.
After you’ve selected the perfect container you
will want to begin with an evergreen plant that will give your container
height. There are many wonderful shrubs that work perfectly to give
height to a container. Phormiums are also fantastic tall plants for
containers, their colorful blades providing height, structure and color.
Phormiums are part of the ornamental grass family.
Next you’ll need to choose evergreen plants that
are shorter and have different shapes and textures from each
other. You’ll want the colors of these plants to compliment
each other, the colors of your home and the color of the container they
will be planted in. One of my favorite evergreen perennials for color
is the family of plants called Heucheras (Coral Bells). Heucheras come
in many different colors from the bright citrus green of ‘Key Lime
Pie’ to the deep, jeweled purple of ‘Amethyst.’ Some of
the Heucheras do better in sun, and others prefer the
shade. Hellebores are gorgeous in containers. Their evergreen
foliage comes in stunning shapes that add dramatic texture in a container,
and they have beautiful early blooms.
To add a spiller or trailer, use an evergreen
groundcover. There are many varieties of evergreen
groundcovers. Just make sure you select one that is appropriate for
sun exposure your container will receive. A great versatile
groundcover is Kinnikinnick (Bear-berry). Kinnikinnick has
small evergreen leaves and blooms with tiny white or pink flowers in the
spring.
If you have room in your container, consider adding a
lush evergreen fern if your container will be placed in an area where it
will receive morning sun and afternoon shade. If your
container will be in full sun or afternoon sun, there are many varieties
of heathers and thymes you can use to fill in your design.
Now that you have your evergreen “bones”
in place you can add your seasonal color to your container. For the
boldest, brightest color, use seasonal annuals, like pansies, primroses
and violas. Primroses, pansies and violas will bring cheery nonstop
color to your container and they thrive in the cooler early spring
temperatures.
Now place your container in a location where you and
your neighbors can enjoy it. And if you need another spring
fix visit any of our store locations. You can stay dry while letting
visions of spring inspire you.
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