Picking Uncommon Containers (a “Hole” new Concept)

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Rich Binsacca

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Given proper drainage, treatment (if necessary) and space for a plant’s root growth, almost anything – including a weathered antique soda-pop crate – can serve as an adequate container. Used sparingly, novelty vessels can add character and charm to a garden.

If you’ve got potted plants, chances are there’s been a time or two where you’ve run across something you thought would make a good container for them – and either you chanced it or you didn’t. If you’ve braved that world of nontraditional pots, good for you! If you haven’t yet, now’s the time to go for it!

The truth is, just about any vessel can be transformed into a planter – it just needs to meet two basic criteria: It has to hold enough soil for the plant selected, and it has to permit water to drain properly. If you’re respectful of these requirements and you properly prepare for the planting, success is within your reach.

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Let your plants take a tricycle for a spin – inside or out!

Of course, your planter should also be durable. If you ever need to transfer a plant from a broken or rotted container before the plant takes root, it will suffer trauma – but a durable pot helps protect the plant inside. Some container choices are naturally tough, such as concrete chimney pots and troughs, old sink basins and vessels made of clay or galvanized metal.

By contrast, old, untreated wood or similar organic material filled with soil and set on the ground will quickly decay and break down. You can extend the life of these containers by treating them with clear waterproof latex sealer, inside and out, allowing them to thoroughly dry before planting. (If the treatment discolors the finish, paint it with decorative latex exterior paint after sealing to restore its original look.)

Warnings

Too many unusual, wacky containers can make your yard look cluttered and chaotic – and it can raise your neighbors’ eyebrows a bit – especially if you’ve got a neighborhood association with rules and regulations on plantings. Be sure to keep your uncommon plantings in scale with your home and neighborhood regulations.

Tips

To highlight the containers in a planting arrangement, use plants with similar colors and textures. To focus attention on the plants, use containers of a similar material, color and texture.
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The best plant arrangements rely on a base of plantings of similar form – whether in a single pot or as a grouping of multiple containers – accompanied by accents.

Faqs

Q: Can I get away with unusual plants in offbeat containers?
A: It can be done – just make sure that the forms and proportions are compatible and complementary.
Q: How do I know if my container is big enough?
A: A garden container should be approximately 2/3 as large in each dimension as the mature height and width of the plant intended to grow in it. (Look for a plant’s mature size and care requirements on its tag.)

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