If the weather has thrown you off your gardening game, here are some quick container ideas from Lizzy McPheeters, proprietor of Bowood Farms. With her suggestions, perhaps you can get started on or add to what should have been finished six weeks ago, if it hadn't for this crazy mixed-up weather. Is this really July?
A few things to keep in mind while you're pondering possibilities: To get the best results use as big a pot as you can – more soil volume = less watering, though one would have to wonder if we will ever have to water again. It's important to consider whether the container will be viewed from all sides, or just from the front. Are you partial to flowering plants or all foliage. If, when you get to Bowood Farms, you are overwhelmed by the choices, find one plant you love and ask the experts on staff for advice about what would work well with it.
A cheery combination that likes heat and full sun can be viewed in front of Bowood Farms, shown above. The container's focal point is a Texas Sage topiary, $45 in 10" pot, $22 in 6". Surrounding the sage are lantanas, 6" pots, $8.95, and moss roses, 4" pots, $4.95.
An eye-catching combination for a shady spot includes from top, Fairy Coral Queen Flowering Maple, $4.95, Heuchera Georgia Plum, $14.95, impatiens, $4.95, and vinca, left, or ivy, right, $4.95. This will last into fall.
When it's the typical hot and dry St. Louis weather and you're really busy and don't water very often, try this combination of hardy sedums: Sun Sparkler, top, $5.95, and Album Superbum, left, $3.95, shown with moss rose, right, $4.95.
In your pot will be located in full sun and you like a more traditional, in Lizzy's words, "preppy" container, consider mini coleus, petunias, and lemon licorice, right, $4.95 each. This combo will flower all summer long.
The last three suggestions are shown with single plants meant for smaller containers. Add three to five additional plants to larger pots. In hot weather, check to see if the pots need to be watered twice daily. And finally, the nursery will be getting fresh supplies of 4" plants from now into the fall, so check in often.
Bowood Farms, 4605 Olive, Monday to Saturday 9 to 6, Sunday 9 to 5, (314) 454-6868.