Series: How-Tos | Summer Season
"I stood in my garden early yesterday morning,
wondering where the sun had gone.
Then it dawned on me."
Getting Started
If you're looking for a great way to kick off the unofficial start of summer, look no further. We have the perfect easy-step project to make you feel like the sunny season is here. Imagine transforming your patio or deck into a vibrant, lush oasis with just a few simple steps. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a complete novice, our guide will help you create a stunning outdoor arrangement that will impress your friends and neighbors and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Starting your first gardening project can seem intimidating, especially if you need help figuring out where to begin. However, we've put together a small and simple plan to help you get your feet wet in the gardening world. This isn't about picking the perfect outfit for a selfie; it's about creating an inviting and beautiful outdoor space you can enjoy all summer. Following our easy steps, you'll learn how to combine different plants to achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing arrangement, ensuring that your patio or deck becomes the perfect summer retreat.
We'll guide you through each stage, from selecting your focal piece (Thriller) to adding complementary plants (Filler) and finishing with trailing varieties (Spiller). With our help, you'll discover that gardening is easy and enjoyable. So, let's start planning your perfect summer outdoor look, transforming your space into a green paradise that feels like summer is already in full swing.
The Soil
Now for the good stuff; using potting soil rather than gardening soil is an essential first step in any container planter project. Potting soils contain additional nutrients and wetting agents to aid in getting your planter established and growing.
"Miracle-Gro® Potting Mixes contain a blend of sphagnum peat moss, aged bark fines, perlite, plant food, and a wetting agent. Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix also contains coir (coconut husks) to help protect against over and under watering".
Miracle Grow is one of the most widely recognized brands in gardening and can be easily found at most garden centers and retailers nationwide. Read on for what you'll need to get this project going and growing; below, you'll find a bit more detail on why this soil works best for planter projects.
WHAT IT'S FOR:
· Planting in a container.
· Planting a specific type of plant in the ground.
· Addressing particular problems in the soil.
WHAT IT DOES:
· Drainage and aeration that allows roots to grow correctly even if overwatered.
· The ability to hold water to help protect against under watering.
· Balanced nutrition, so plants get the nutrients when they need them.
Supplies
The Plants (see below list for suggestions)
Potting Soil
Large Planting Pot
Gardening Gloves (Optional)
Plant Suggestions For This Project
Cordyline Red Sister (thriller)
Calibrachoa (spiller)
Vinca Vine (spiller)
Swan River Daisy (filler)
Dusty Miller (filler)
Note: These plants are what we recommend to start your part-sun patio planter. However, you can choose whatever thriller, filler, or spiller plants you desire.
Now The Fun Part – Planting Your Container
For this project, we've selected tropical plants that will thrive in part sun to full sun environment, specifically a patio or entryway location for placement. It's essential to ensure all chosen plants have a similar or the same exposure tolerance. Most of the time, it's full sun or shade, so use your best judgment; our suggestion again would be plants that like full to part sun. Think about where you're going to put your planter and plan accordingly.
Arranging Your Planter
Thriller, Filler, Spiller… Your focal piece (Thriller) should go in first, allowing you to plant around it to accent and compliment the main attraction. Adding annual color (Filler) is a fun and inexpensive way to "fill" out your planter (this would be smaller flowers that add but don't detract from your Thriller piece). Finishing off your chosen pot, you'll use a trailing plant (Spiller), which is always a great exclamation point for your desired look and arrangement. Typically, the trailing plants are the most aggressive growers and give instant feedback on your patio planter's potential.
Life Hack: If you have a particular centerpiece (Thriller) in mind, but it may be too cold to put it outside, you can use an empty pot as a space holder and plant your annual color (Filler & Spiller) to get them established in your pot.
Once the weather conditions align with the needs of the centerpiece you've carefully chosen for your patio planter, it's time for the exciting moment of integrating it into your outdoor space. With anticipation building, gently lower your selected centerpiece into your reserved spot, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding plants.
As you do so, take a moment to appreciate the harmony and balance you've achieved in your arrangement, envisioning how it will enhance the visual appeal of your patio or deck.
Then, step back and soak in the instant transformation, allowing yourself to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility that your well-planned garden brings to your outdoor living area. With your centerpiece in place, you can now sit back, relax, and relish in the joy of creating a stunning and inviting outdoor oasis.
You've Got This!
Now that you have all the steps, it's time to create your own stunning patio planter. Follow the directions: start with your focal piece (Thriller), add in the annual color (Filler), and finish off with a trailing plant (Spiller). As you complete each step, feel the sense of accomplishment building. Breathe, don't stop believing, and soon, you'll be able to sit back, relax, and marvel at the beauty you've just created.
Remember, gardening is as much about the journey as the destination. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, the thrill of seeing your planter come to life is gratifying. And remember the handy life hack: if the weather isn't quite ready for your centerpiece, use an empty pot to hold its place and establish your Fillers and Spillers.
Once the conditions are right, drop your Thriller into the space and enjoy the instant transformation. You've got this! Embrace the process, enjoy the creative outlet, and let your patio or deck become a vibrant extension of your home. Happy planting, and may your summer be filled with color, growth, and beauty!
Bibliography // Citations:
Jamie, Author. "Miracle-Gro Potting Mix: Ingredients, Ph, NPK and Chemicals." WhyFarmIt.com, 2 Feb. 2022, https://whyfarmit.com/miracle-gro-potting-mix-ph/.
Sun Gardening. "The 101 Best Bad Gardening Jokes." Sun Gardening, Sun Gardening, 14 Mar. 2022, https://www.sungardening.co.uk/Garden-Idea:Best-Bad-Gardening-Jokes.
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