Gardening with containers is one of our favorite ways to grow flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and trees. It's fun, easy to do and very rewarding.

Planters are very flexible. Flower pots can be used indoors or out and in areas that have limited space such as apartments and condominiums, as well as homes, office buildings, restaurants, and retail stores. You'll find them on patios, roof tops, balconies, decks, porches, and front door steps; anywhere there's room enough to set a plant. Landscaping with flower pots can change an entire entrance, patio, or balcony  in a minute just by picking up the container and moving it, or with those that have wheels, just roll to its desired location. With gardening containers, there's no need to transplant, do shock treatments, or deal with all of the questions that go along with re-establishing the plant.

Many types of plants do well in containers. Ranging from small herbs to decorative flowers, vegetables, and even trees. Herbs grow excellent in a window box planter placed beneath the kitchen window. An indoor window box works well for growing an indoor herb garden during the winter season. What could be fresher than to pick your herbs and immediately prepare them for your meal?

A landscape design using floral displays can create a beautiful focal point with the unique planters and containers available today. Indoor house plants can create that special comfortable, relaxing atmosphere that we all need at times, or can brighten a corner that needs some cheering up. Vegetables and small fruit trees grown in a container can offer those with limited space, or poor soil conditions, an opportunity for fresh fruit and vegetables that they otherwise wouldn't have.

but  they can provide extra health benefits too. 

Parsley contains Vitamin A , is a natural breath freshener, and it may help fight bacteria and boost your immune system.The second herb is our favorite, Oregano; it has been found to be a natural antibiotic as well as a germicide.  It is also traditionally used to aid digestion and soothe an upset stomach.

Mint is probably one of the most well known herbs, and is known to help relax the muscles of the digestive tract. Some research has indicated that mint may be an anti-cancer agent, especially for cancers of the digestive system.

The fourth herb, Rosemary, aids in digestion and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. It has been said that it may help reduce the risk of asthma attacks. 

1) The container or planter you chose should have adequate drainage holes or be made of a material that holes can be drilled in.

2) The containers location should receive approximately 4-5 hours of sunlight.

3) Many container gardeners recommend the "soilless" type potting mix as an ideal planting material. It provides water retention to keep the root zone moist and allows rapid drainage.

4) Regular fertilizing is recommended when using a soilless potting mix. Time release formulations of 14-14-14 are commonly used.

5) Vegetables may need watering daily, depending on planter size and weather conditions. The best way to water is with a watering can. Be sure the water is cool before applying. 

6) When choosing a planter size, the general rule is "bigger is better". Larger planters will allow room for plants to mature and will not dry out as quickly when watered. 

7) Read the information tag when purchasing plants for planting recommendations.

The quality and style of planters used outside is an extension of your indoor decor, and those subtle hints will make a difference in whether your garden is just a bed of flowers, or is a flower bed of happiness that says "Welcome, come, relax, and enjoy". Create that focal point that's fun and inviting.

We hope that some of our Garden Decor and ideas will inspire you to take the time to enjoy, and  have fun in your garden. After all, you shouldn't feel like you have to work hard when you're working hard to relax.

 Happy Gardening!