May 9, 2008
Shobha’s garden on view; Gardening on a balcony
And so, the Garden Conservancy’s Open Day at my garden has come and gone. See the photos below. We are overwhelmed and grateful for the interest shown and wonderful feedback given. In the process, we raised very good money for the Garden Conservancy and Rocky Hills in particular. How nice it is when a passion can be used to raise funds for a worthy cause.
About 400 people visited and it was great fun talking to them (well, almost all of them). Most, being gardeners themselves, were curious, observant and knowledgeable. We enjoyed commiserating on all garden matters. Even the weather, after threatening to spoil the day, changed its mind and behaved beautifully.
I met several readers of this column and so now, when I make references to my garden, many of you will know exactly what I’m talking about! As I mentioned to some of you, do write in with questions and comments so we can have a running dialogue. It’ll be fun and beneficial to us all.
By the way, I finally managed to look through my journal for the name of that fringed, pink and white double tulip that everyone asked about. I couldn’t for the life of me recall the name last Sunday, so you see how useful journals are! It is called Cool Crystal. Order early!
I thank all who visited. Hope the experience was as rewarding as it was for me.
Gardening on a balcony [see photos below]
At the request of a reader, I am going to talk about gardening on a balcony. This, of course, can be extrapolated to container or patio gardening. Many live in apartments or condominiums where space is limited but a gardener’s heart still beats.
I love balconies. They’re not quite outdoors and yet a perfect place to get fresh air and watch the world go by. First and foremost, no matter the size, make sure you have a place to sit and enjoy the plants and view. (Assuming, of course, that the view is not the wall of the neighboring building.)
Balcony railings are a great place to start. These days, there are attractive and well made hangers and pots made specifically for this purpose. They can be hung facing outside, inside or both. Bear in mind, after watering the pots there will be run-off. So decide where you want this water to go. If outside, make sure it does not drip onto people’s heads or property. Inside, you can place other pots below the hanging ones and these then can catch the excess water.
If your balcony is visible to neighboring balconies, perhaps a “living” screen is the solution. It provides privacy and beauty. Train a vine growing in a pot around a simple lattice screen. Morning Glories are a good choice.
Rather than having several small pots, I suggest using fewer but much bigger pots. You can be creative, even wild in your plant choices for large pots. Remember to vary plant height. Factor in color of foliage and flowers, fragrance, textures and growth habits. Include upright and trailing plants.
The pots should be set on saucers to catch the run-off. Try not to have water standing in the saucers as this can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Choose attractive pots; there are vast numbers of choices available. On balconies, you must consider the weight of the pots. Big terracotta pots may not be ideal. Instead, there are now very real looking fiberglass pots. They are so well made that it is hard to tell them from real terracotta. The best ones are not cheap but they’re worth the money. Plus, they last forever. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.
Plant choice for balconies
Now, your choice of plants will depend on how the balcony is situated. Is it a western or northern exposure, how much sun does it get (remember shadows cast by trees and other buildings) and for how long? Whether light or shade disposed, annuals are the most appropriate choice, unless you have somewhere to move the plants in winter.
A visit to any good nursery will reveal a myriad of choices. Choose wisely. Select what will thrive. You will be better off to not spend too much on must-haves that will not like where they will ultimately be. For instance, if your location gets intense sun all day and is therefore very hot, think desert plants.
More is better for pots. You must pack each pot with more plants than you think you need. Unlike planting in the ground, with pots you will be planting closer together. The pots must look lush and opulent. For the minimalists, a single, beautiful ball of boxwood or myrtle or a topiary can make an elegant statement.
For those who dream of growing edible plants, herbs, tomatoes bred for pots, chilies and strawberries are all known to do very well. Lettuces and other greens can be container grown as well.
Remember, balcony gardens can be three season places. Change the annuals as they finish, just as you would in any garden. Constant deadheading is a must. Not only does this promote more blooms but it looks neater as well. Plants are viewed more intimately in a balcony and so, neatness matters.
Consider fragrance when deciding about potted plants
Fragrance is another important factor. This is particularly delightful in the evenings when the fragrances are most intense. Choose one type of fragrant plant. More can be overpowering and the mixing of smells can ultimately result in something unpleasant. Nicotianas, jasmines, Brugamansias, lilies, gardenias and nemesias are all wonderful.
When planting, pay attention to drainage and choose a good, rich potting soil. I do not favor peat moss even though it is often in potting mixes. Peat moss dries out too easily and has no nutritional value. There are pre-mixed potting soils containing soil, slow-release fertilizer and water retaining crystals. I do not buy this. First of all, they are pricey. Secondly, I prefer to do my own mixing depending on what I’m planting. To the soil, I mix in compost and slow release fertilizer. As I’m filling the pot, about half way, I add the water crystals. Add more soil and then the plant. The crystals hold water, releasing it as required. One then needs to water less often.
Now is the time to get the planting done. Don’t delay. If after planting frost threatens, either bring in the pots or, more appropriately, cover with a sheet of plastic or burlap. Regular old sheets will do. Make sure the sheets will not be blown away! Once all the planting is done, just get into a rhythm of watering and deadheading. This is, in fact, a pleasant pastime.
Sit down and relax.
Copyright 2008 NewCastleNOW.org