Create a Charming Potted Garden This Summer

Everyone enjoys the beauty of a garden in summer, especially after a long dreary winter. There are many people that don't have yards, but they may have a deck, patio, porch or balcony, so creating a potted garden is a wonderful solution. Do you have a deck, patio or porch that needs sprucing up? Why not create a charming enchanted garden, a garden that is serene and calming. You can surround yourself with beautiful flowers, plants, herbs and shrubs, and if there is a spot for hanging plants, add them as well. Wouldn't it be nice to have your own little garden retreat where you could relax after a hard day at work, and enjoy the intoxicating flower scent?

Choosing plants and the pots they will go in is half the fun when planning the potted garden. The nice thing about potted plants is, you don't have to weed them, which is a plus for many busy people. We enjoy the beauty of gardens, but we don't always have the time or energy to care for them.

Getting Started: Decide on what flowers, plants, herbs and shrubs you would like to grow, If you are not sure what to grow, or how to grow it, you can ask for help and idea's at the local gardening center.

Choosing pots and planters: There are so many choices to choose from. Choose pots and planters that reflect you and suit your homes style, and the plants, flowers, herbs and shrubs that will be planted in the pots or planters. Remember to purchase pots and planters with drainage holes in the bottom, this way the roots won't get waterlogged, you should also place small stones, shards, or even a small piece of screen in the bottom of the pot, this will help the roots and stop the dirt from draining out the bottom of the pot. Another thing, if the pot or planter will be on the deck, or wooden porch, you will need to use a plant stand or some type of plate under the pot, as this will protect the deck or porch from rotting, as well as water stains.

Potting soil is important, as you don't want to use regular garden dirt , as it is too heavy and, it can introduce disease to the plants, you will need to use bagged soil.

You may also want to use plant food, as it will promote healthy growth, foliage and bloom for plants, also remember to water plants at least 3 times a week or more, as the soil dries out fast in the hot weather, also it is best to water plants in the evening.

Herbs to grow: Sage, chives, scallions, thyme, oregano, rosemary and parsley are wonderful herbs, not only are they great for seasoning food, they look pretty as well.

What flowers to choose: Here are a few of my favorites, marigolds, begonia, impatiens, zinnia, dahlia, cosmos and fern. I also like different shrubs and hanging baskets.

The possibilities are endless!, not to mention the wide variety of colorful blooms to choose from. Pot gardening is great for limited space or a wonderful addition to existing landscapes, and remember to add a few hanging baskets as they add a country charm to any home, as well as attractiveness that will draw attention to the home.

Happy gardening to all, have a great summer and enjoy the new enchanted potted plant garden you created!