Winter Interest in the Garden - part 6 - Containers

21 comments

Well, here goes on another blog! This time, I’ve collected photos of some of my containers round the garden.

Colour in the garden in the winter months is very important to me, as I expect it is for most people. Whatever the size of your garden, I am certain that a pot with flowers planted in it can be fitted in somewhere.

This one has given me great pleasure since the late autumn. The little Skimmia is called ‘Magic Marlot’ and the red pansies have flowered well and ‘set off’ the colour of the Skimmia flowers.

I tend to have pots and containers where I can see them either when I’m going out, or placed so that I can see them from the windows – but not always, as I like to have an ‘amble’ round the garden when the weather allows it!

Since I took this photo, the frost and snow have finished off the Cyclamen, so I have bought some Bellis perennis to replace them. These will keep on flowering until the spring – once I’ve planted them!

Talking about coming in and going out, I have two chimnies in the porch by the front door. I plant up plastic pots that fit neatly into the rims, so that I can change the pots easily and re-plant them if necessary.

Last summer, when we visited an open garden, I saw a great idea which I’ve copied. I do realise that I am lucky to have a suitable gate to hang a window box on – but then again, living in a listed house has its disadvantages – we are not allowed to attach anything to the walls, so hanging baskets are no-nos. Hanging a basket on the gate seemed like a good compromise!

My favourite container is my large blue pot. I wish I’d bought two when I got it, as I haven’t a clue where I got it from now! It’s great to have a really big pot to plant up.

Winter pansies have grown and flowered really well in containers – just as well, as they have been disastrous in the soil!

I enjoy putting plants together to create a good display – some of the plants can be planted in the garden after they’ve been in a pot. Some are kept for the following year! This Photinia ‘Little Red Robin’ has been in a container twice – last winter and again this winter, but with different companions.

I always plant bulbs under the plants, ready for spring. This extends the colour season of each pot. You can see them coming up in the pot.

This one has really been the most successful this year – I have really enjoyed looking at it and the plants are still flowering well. I’ve only had to replace two Cyclamen since I planted it up.

Well – I think that’s enough. I hope you’ve enjoyed the photos and the tour of some of my containers. Maybe you even got some ideas from them for your own containers next winter?

10 Feb, 2009
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Comments

Treesandthi..

Some great ideas there Spritz. I must admit I have two pots in my porch that have a Carex in them and 3 different Cyclamens, but alas the frost has got to the Cyclamens so I should really replace them with something as the Carex looks a bit lonely.

Nice pics.

10 Feb, 2009

Lincslass

They are grand Spritz,good combinations and lots of colour which is a must for this time of year and yes I really enjoyed the tour and your photo,s..........

10 Feb, 2009

Grenville

Spritz, it's lovely to see and read your Blog that focuses on winter gardening.

You know that we are passionate about container gardening, and your combinations are lovely with vibrant colours, textures and foliage.I also love the way you have complimented the colours of the containers that are glazed, and used complimentary and contrasting colours in the planting schemes..They are all delightful. Many thanks.
It's an inspiring Blog.

10 Feb, 2009

Blodyn

Thank you for showing all your lovely winter pots Spritzhenry. I have Magic Marlot and Little red robin in pots by my back door. They really are good in containers. Now you've reminded me to get Bellis seeds. I sew them every year. I like the plants on your gate. I remember you showed them before. Now I'm looking forward to your next blog (hopefully)

11 Feb, 2009

Jacque

What a Wonderful Blog Spritz all your Containers are Super :) I love all the Colours uv Chosen ,Winter Would Looks So Bleak without The Evergreens & Winter Flowering Pansy ect :) Beautiful Pics uv used 2 :)xxx

11 Feb, 2009

Amy

A briliant blog Spritz , your garden looks so colourful , it dosn,t look like winter at all ..
Some great ideas ,a lovely choice there for anyone choose from ! ..........

11 Feb, 2009

Doctorbob1

Great Photos Spritz, a real variety of containers makes it look very interesting all the way around.

11 Feb, 2009

Hillyc

All your containers look lovely Spritz. Great combinations and lots of colour. I planted some violas by the front door this year. Very disappointing. Will switch back to pansies next year.

11 Feb, 2009

Andrewr

Another great blog spritz showing what colour and interest you can achieve in the garden during winter

11 Feb, 2009

Bonkersbon

Particularly like the "Magic Merlot " Spritz,but have to say all your containers are looking good...

11 Feb, 2009

Xela

What more can I say,
inspirational!
Now the rain has turned the snow to grey sludge everywhere your blog is so welcome.

12 Feb, 2009

Spritzhenry

Thank you, everyone, for the lovely comments.

12 Feb, 2009

Dawnsaunt

Such colour! Thanks for some good ideas for winter plants in containers. You've inspired me to do this next Winter and you've shown that the plants can tolerate the frosts and snow.

12 Feb, 2009

Bulbaholic

Being new to this site I am still finding my way around and only came across this series of blogs by Spritz later this afternoon. I have really enjoyed the six ( with more to come?) and the pictures of the garden and neighbour troubles.
In addition I have learned a lot more about blogging on the site and hope to improve my own.
Thank you, Spritz.

14 Feb, 2009

Dottydaisy2

What more can I add that has not already been said? delightful photos as usual, you are a true gardener Spritz I admire your passion may it long continue......look forward to the next!!

14 Feb, 2009

Poaannua

Congratulations Spritz. That is a wonderful display for this time of year. It makes me want to rush out there and do something at least, to brighten my lot up Inspirational thats what you are.

16 Feb, 2009

Greenfingers

What lovely combinations. I love the cyclamen, some of mine haven't faired well in the cold weather we've had lately. But I have 3 on the landing windowsill upstairs, against a cold window with the cold draught coming through the gap between the window and the frame (an old window that needs replacing.....one day), they've done really well.

16 Feb, 2009

Spritzhenry

They didn't all last - the ones that were out in the open, away from the house wall got frost-bitten and I replaced them with Bellis perennis just last week. I still have several in bloom, though!

Indoors, they do need a cool place or they just flop! I have to keep mine in the greenhouse because of this. I've given up inside the house. :-(
You have found the ideal place!

16 Feb, 2009

Marge

Hi Spritz, just found this colourful blog. You have been really talented with your containers.

I saw the Magic Skimmia in a garden cente the other day, I thought it looked really pretty, now you have inspired me to plant up in containers for next winter. Thanks Marge.

17 Feb, 2009

Gwendas

Love your inspirational blogs Spritz and this one is lovely and colourful - belies the fact that it's Spring and just proves what is possible. I stole your bellis idea as you know and they are doing well and make me smile when I look out at the patio.
Jo x

26 Feb, 2009

Spritzhenry

That's not stealing, Jo - it's what I believe GOY is all about - getting ideas from each other! I'm so glad you found an idea you could use - and Marge, too!

26 Feb, 2009

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