21st December - 21st March
is the time to plant
containers to take you through the darkest months.
 When planning your container display, think of foliage, colour
and shape and anticipate the extra glamour given by frost
to stems and foliage. Scent can also be incorporated.
When
choosing your container, the important factors are that it
should have adequate drainage with plenty of holes in the
bottom and be clean and free from last year’s pests
and diseases. Pots can be sterilized using “Jeyes Fluid” or “Natures
Disinfectant” which is an organic alternative.
The
first ingredient into the container is the drainage material.
This is required to prevent the drainage holes being clogged
by the compost. Traditionally, this would have been crocks – broken
clay pots. An alternative to this could be small pieces of
polystyrene. Use a 25mm (1 inch) deep layer at the base of
your pot. Raising the container off the ground with the aid
of “pot feet” will also help with drainage.
We would
not recommend using soil dug from the garden for use in containers
as it contains bugs, weed seeds and all sorts of other undesirables
such as fungal spores. We use a sterile multi-purpose compost
including John Innes that will contain the correct balance
of food nutrients and trace elements to ensure sturdy growth.
A range of compost is available here at Dunscar Garden Centre.
Where
possible keep pots in sheltered spots in the garden to protect
them from cold, drying winds which could damage the plants.
Careful
watering of your winter containers is necessary. Overwater
and your plants roots may rot. Remember too that bright sunshine
and windy days will cause your containers to dry out.
So
how can you tell if your container needs water? There are a
few signs to look out for:-
| • Has the compost changed colour on the surface?
As it dries, the compost goes lighter. Be careful though,
it may only be dry on the surface and if so, leave alone. |
| • Has the compost shrunk away from the edge
of the pot? This happens as the compost dries. |
| • If your container is ceramic, tap the pot with a stick. If dry, it will sound
hollow. |
| • If you are still unsure of when to water
your container, invest in a moisture meter. This will indicate
when the compost is dry. |
PLANTS
FOR WINTER CONTAINERS
There are many plants that can thrive in containers. Below
are a few ideas.
| Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Ellwood’s
Gold’ |
Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’ |
| Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Aurea’ |
Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ |
| Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’ |
Taxus baccata ‘Standishii’ |
| Euonymus |
Rosemary |
| Rosemary Dwarf Rhododendrons and Azaleas |
Thyme |
| Hedera (Ivy) |
Vinca |
| Pansies |
Violas |
Primulas |
Wallflowers |
| Sedums |
Thymes |
Phlox |
Aubretia |
Sempervivums |
|
