It’s been quite some time since my last post. I’m still here. Just tired, and on plant overload, the side effect of working at a garden center and nursery. I’d like to say that working in the nursery business has changed my gardening perspective, but it hasn’t really. Perhaps it’s a bit more refined though. No matter what new plants or colors come in, I’m still attracted to the classics, or good ‘ole standbys if you will. This goes for annuals too.
When I started working at Sundown Gardens, I was giddy with excitement about all the annuals I would have at my disposal for my own containers. Little did I know that customers would show up to the store with their empty containers in tow wanting custom potting jobs. I never expected that it would become part of my job(s) either. The orders span the gamut. Some containers are manageable, others require a big truck and crew to deliver and place on site. I love doing it, but even with an overabundance of annuals and perennials to choose from, it’s never easy. I try very hard to create something unique for each customer. I often wonder how those designs hold up after they’ve gone home to their rightful owners.
Speaking of home, this potting business has given me cause to scrutinize my own container designs more carefully. The patio and front porch have become a laboratory or sorts, where I experiment with foliage and bloom combinations and put light levels to the test. There are so many choices to pick from that I impose constraints to keep myself in check. This season, I chose the color white for all the pots near the pool. In the end, I weave many of the classics into the mix. If you can master composition with these, then everything else is icing on the cake. In years past, I have relied heavily on coleus. This year I used none. I traded them in for Scented Geranium, Licorice Plants, Alocasia, Abutilon, and Plectranthus. For blooms, I am relying heavily on Mandavilla Vine, Calibrachoa, Dahlias and of course, Marigolds (Vanilla Marigold shown above). Here’s a peak at my palette this year with an emphasis on the foliage accents.
Abutilon savitzii
I love the maple-leaf shaped foliage with creamy white edges of this Abutilon. I keep the moisture level of this plant very consistent. It receives direct sun in the morning hours and is completely shaded by noon. Many of my pots are not combos, but single plants nestled against other pots. This creates a more pronounced effect.
Nephrolepis exaltata Boston Fern ‘Tiger Fern’
I love Boston Ferns and forewent the classic solid green for a variegated variety call ‘Tiger Fern.’ Situated in bright shade, they receive no direct sunlight. Since they are in a shady area, its easy to keep the soil evenly moist. The chartruese highlights really brighten this otherwise dark spot.
Alocasia macrorrhiza ‘odora’
Commonly known as Elephant Ears, this tall tropical is the main attraction in a large pot. Positioned in the center, the large leaves are dramatic and arch out gracefully over the white Scavoila tutu that outlines the rim. Scale is so important when designing plantings. You can create instant drama by combining bold large plants against smaller delicate ones.
Coryline terminalis ‘Miss Andrea’
In shades of cream, purple, red and green, I found this Cordyline hard to resist. It has a nice relationship to the creamy shades of the other plants, yet refuses to completely blend in. You need at least one plant with this temperment in your collection.
Dahlia ‘XXL Mayo’
This is one of the bloomers set amongst the many accent plants. Extra extra large blooms and deep dark green foliage make this classic a showstopper. As its name suggests, the off white tone resembles the creamy condiment mayonnaise. This Dahlia receives direct sun till about 1PM. Very sturdy 24” tall stems. Has been blooming constantly since early May.
Pelargonium graveolens variegata ‘Mint Scented Rose Geranium’
Love this! A very textural plant that rarely blooms. I was lucky enough to see a few flowers earlier this season. The deeply cut leaves add much visual interest to my collection of plants. Scented geraniums were widely grown in the Victorian era and used for perfume and potpourri. They were occasionally used for cooking too. I’ve noticed scented/fragrant plants making a bit of a comeback.
Helichrysum petiolare Petite Licorice
I’m a big fan of licorice plants and found this silver petite variety very charming. I used it with bright white SunPatiens (the full sun version of Impatiens). Avoid overwatering licorice plants as it makes the foliage quite unattractive. Proven Winners offers a wide selection in a variety of colors.
Plectranthus aurea marginata
This is a beauty! Don’t let the delicate scalloped edges and velvety texture of this plant fool you. It’s as rugged as it is beautiful. I think it goes head-to-head with any coleus. My Plectranthus recieve sun till 1PM and shade the rest of the day. The chartreuse edges echo the Lemon Licorice hues from the neigboring pot. Very easy to grow.
Sun Parasol® White Mandevilla
A very common tropical sold all over the US in spring. I fell in love with the white one and made it the centerpiece of my annual container scheme. A true vine that will climb terllises or flow out of hanging baskets. The foliage is deep dark green and glossy. This plant (like most tropicals) requires regular watering and does not like to go dry. The intesity of the yellow center makes the white petals appear extremely bright white.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer in the garden. I will post more on my annuals and container designs in future posts.