Creating eye-catching flower containers for my garden was easier than usual this summer, thanks to an assortment of Hort Couture plants I was asked to test this growing season. Come look at the results.
Pre-designed plant combinations from Hort Couture. Photo copyright Kevin O'Connor.
Early in the summer, Hort Couture asked me to test four different plant combinations, which arrived already arranged into six-packs of different container designs.
Taking the guesswork out of container design. Photo copyright Kevin O'Connor.
The vivid colors, textures and shapes were already creatively combined to make a visually exciting design. All I needed to do was add good quality potting soil, organic fertilizer and some cute containers.
Colorful containers. Photo copyright Kevin O'Connor.
It couldn’t have been easier really. I simply followed their instructions. Within a month, the plants had already grown well into their containers.
Photo copyright Kevin O'Connor.
Dark dramatic colors create contrast with pale yellow daisy-shaped flowers in this simple arrangement. Featured are Coleus ‘Black Jack;’ cheerful yellow Argyranthemum ‘Primrose Path;’ and blue Scaevola ‘Top Model.’ All grow well in sunny conditions, although the coleus tolerates sun and shade.
Photo copyright Kevin O'Connor.
Pinks, orange and yellow flowers and foliage create this romantic container that thrives in sun and partial sun. Shown above are light-pink Diascia Diva ‘Red’ interspersed with golden Bidens Flare ‘Gold Elf;’ and multicolored Coleus ‘Smallwood Driveway.’
Two plant designs in one container. Photo copyright Kevin O'Connor.
Pinks, purples, whites and blacks are featured in this jute container I’m testing from Easy Gardener. Three types of petunias are shown above, including ‘Tickled Pink;’ ‘Tropical Blue;’ and white ‘Marshmallow.’ Filling in the crooks and crannies of this container are trailing Ipomea ‘Blackie; and wispy Euphorbia ‘Hip Hop’ and Lobelia ‘Deep Navy.’
This plant combination (which is actually two different six-packs of plants) thrives in sun to partial shade. In the hottest climates, grow these plants in partial sun for the best results. This jute container needs plenty of water during summer days. I found myself watering well twice a day, and the sweet potato vine (Ipomea) still looked a bit parched on particularly hot days.
Learn more about these great flower combinations from Hort Couture.
{ 7 comments }
Teresa – Really enjoyed the lovely photos. How do you like the jute container?
Thanks for your comment. The jute container is an economical way to grow plants. But you will need to water frequently. And the sides jut out a bit when you plant. But for casual settings, it is quite nice. Hope to see you again. All best, Teresa
Watering more frequently — that makes sense — since the fabric would be breathable. The designer I’m working with is experimenting with putting in some kind of a water-holding liner, at least in the lower section of the planter.
What a smart idea! I like that they sell the flowers in six packs so that you can still plant them how you want them in your own pot with your own favorite potting soil, etc.
Hi Fern. I agree. I really thought the plant combinations were quite nice. Thanks for the message. Teresa
I found lining fiber-baskets w/plastic grocery bags helps w/watering situations; it helps hold some of the moisture from running out.
Also like the idea of selling 6 pk combo- makes gardening a no-brainer for those who are not that inclined!
Hi Liz: I agree about the plastic bags, as long as there is plenty of good drainage. You are so right about these cool, pre-arranged six-packs of plants. It’s so helpful when someone helps you design your containers. Thanks for stopping by. Teresa
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 1 trackback }