Marjorie Harris
From Friday's Globe and Mail Published on Friday, Jul. 27, 2007 10:34AM EDT Last updated on Friday, Apr. 03, 2009 10:10AM EDT
The dog days of summer are hard upon us, but that doesn't mean the garden has to be any the worse for wear.
Containers can liven things up - whether on a condo balcony or in the middle of a border. And now is the perfect time to re-evaluate and refresh them.
THE FLOWERS
Summer bulbs are the most exciting plants for this time of year. They come in every colour imaginable and can be planted in all light conditions.
If you didn't snap up summer bulbs during June sales, keep an eye out in major grocery or big box stores for huge pots of well-grown lilies that can be plunked down anywhere. I have some blooming furiously in my garden right now, and their scent is second only to their lushness.
Calla lily is another great summer bulb that lasts a lot longer than its fragile beauty would suggest. Even when the blooms fade, the foliage looks great with its gorgeous black spine and leafy edges.
THE SOIL
Carefully empty the container of soil and plants. Spread a layer of SoilSponge or other water-retentive material on the bottom, and mix it with the saved container soil. Add compost and water well, then add a fish fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
THE PLANTING
Repot the plants, but only put back about half the ones you jammed in last spring. Pick those that look good and have healthy roots.
Most perennials need dividing right now, so look around your garden. See if ornamental grasses and hostas can lose a chunk out of one side, or use anything that looks good and has height.
This will be the container's new central focus, but do not plant it in the centre - it should be off to one side to give the container better balance.
Place a vine or two at one of the edges, then add some of your favourite bits and pieces, keeping a harmonious colour theme in mind.
THE CONTAINER
If you have nothing but plastic pots but like the shapes, slap a coat of paint on them. Try an antique silver or grey, or a brilliant blue and yellow. You can do the same with clay pots, but make sure they are dry before you replant.
Don't put up with a boring garden at this time of year. Freshen your containers and you'll find other plants look brighter, too.
Marjorie Harris is editor-at-large of Gardening Life magazine; her most recent book is How to Make a Garden: The 7 Essential Steps for the Canadian Gardener.
Watch online
Unleash your inner cosmetic
surgeon: Marjorie Harris
shows you how to deadhead
in an exclusive video on globeandmail.com/life
Join the Discussion: