Lively mix
Created by Nature’s Design, Cedarburg
Plants: White geraniums, Angelonia, Angel Blue, Euphorbia, Diamond
White (in front) Dwarf Safari marigold
Nature’s Design owner Carol Johnson created this container for a
Whitefish Bay client who likes a lot of color and wanted a wispy mix
of plants rather than heavy ones. Johnson placed blue pots in
different sizes and styles around the yard. "No two pots were
exactly alike but they all went together," Johnson says. The
lively mix of plants all do very well in the sun, she says.
Sun-friendly
Created by Prairie Gardens, Cedarburg
Plants: English ivy, Irises, Cordyline,Hosta, Paul’s Glory,
Copper plant
This combination does well in sun or part sun conditions. Grulke
says hostas work exceptionally well in containers because of their
big, bold texture. "Don’t be afraid to use perennials in
containers," Grulke says, and to change the plants with the
season. Irises and pansies will do well together in the spring, but by
fall you might want to include some ornamental grasses instead of the
standard mums, he says.
Shade-lover
Created by The Flower Source, Germantown
Plants: Coleus, Vinca vine,Heuchera, Fuchsia,New Guinea impatiens
If you have a shady spot on your backyard deck or condo patio, try
this mix. By using plants with multicolored foliage, there’s texture
and visual interest but no mess. If you don’t want fallen blooms to
stain your deck or patio, or if you want to avoid constantly
deadheading flowers, a low-maintenance mix such as this is the way to
go, Flower Source experts suggest.
The
key to successful container gardening is pairing like things together,
says Prairie Gardens manager Paul Grulke. Factors to consider are
soil, sun and water requirements. Once you have matched shade-loving
or sun-loving plants together, have some fun and experiment with
different combinations. We’ve asked local flower experts to pair
some of their favorites.
