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80<br />
Pots of style<br />
by Angie Barker<br />
Award Winner<br />
People often underestimate the impact<br />
that pots can have on your outside space.<br />
Whether your garden is big or small, or even<br />
a balcony, then pots can really enhance the<br />
look of it by introducing colour and style,<br />
in terms of the pots you choose and the<br />
planting.<br />
There are a few things to remember though<br />
with container gardening. First of all think<br />
big. Two or three large pots look so much<br />
better than a large collection of small<br />
ones – and they will need less watering.<br />
Then choose your style. If your garden<br />
is more of a cottage garden with lots of<br />
perennial planting in an informal style,<br />
then terracotta is the obvious choice. If however you have<br />
a contemporary, sleek garden perhaps with decking, then<br />
stainless steel or black ceramic would fit in perfectly.<br />
You also have to bear in mind that plants in containers rely<br />
on you for their water. Don’t be fooled into thinking that<br />
the rain will keep them watered. In summer especially<br />
you will need to water<br />
regularly to stop the plants drying out. Adding water<br />
retentive gel to your compost can really help preserve<br />
water content.<br />
Hubby’s favourite is an Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’ we<br />
have growing in a pot by our conservatory door. Acers<br />
of all descriptions do well in pots because they are slow<br />
growing. Just site them somewhere protected from harsh<br />
winds in part shade and they should do well. If you have a<br />
sunny patio, Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is one of the few<br />
Acers which can withstand full sun.<br />
It is especially lovely to have a pot or two by your front door<br />
to cheer you up when you come home – even more so in<br />
winter when there is little happening in garden borders.<br />
Sarcoccoca confusa is a small evergreen shrub which will<br />
thrive in a shady spot and has the most wonderful scent<br />
during late winter to welcome you home.<br />
I have even grown a Silver Birch tree in a pot! My plan<br />
is that by keeping it in a pot it will stay relatively small<br />
but enables me to site it close to the house where I can<br />
appreciate its lovely bark and fine foliage. When it comes<br />
to pots, all you need is your imagination.<br />
Angie is a qualified awardwinning<br />
garden designer<br />
who will plan your garden<br />
to your needs from start to<br />
finish, supplying reputable<br />
contractors and the ideal<br />
plants.<br />
Call Angie now for your free consultation!<br />
Angie Barker Dip GD (Inst GD) BA (Hons)<br />
Garden Design For All Seasons<br />
Tel: 01942 522 405<br />
Mob: 07857 008 383<br />
www.angiebarker.co.uk<br />
Award Winner
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