Garden Studios

All too often we’re dispose of growing plants because we haven’t the room. Trees and shrubs mainly seem far too threatening to introduce to a small garden.

But if grown in containers, other than inside the ground, their growth isn’t just curtailed by virtue of a limited root run, but they are often moved to the fore once they are enjoying their main season of interest, then shifted into the background once their display fades. They’ve got the flexibility to present the garden an extra have a look at different times of year.

This is especially true of plants which are at their best in the course of the winter months – beauties like witch hazel and winter-flowering honeysuckle.

I am a fantastic fan of plants in containers, with one proviso: the containers must be large. This isn’t because i’m inquisitive about doing things on a grand scale; it’s for practical, in addition aesthetic, reasons.

Let’s consider the aesthetics first. A rash of small containers – some terracotta, some plastic and a few ceramic – always looks messy. There isn’t a overall pattern to them. The sensible considerations are more important.

Small containers dry out in hot weather and usually tend to freeze in prolonged cold spells. What’s more, the compost in a small pot will rapidly run out of nutrients and the plants (when not thirsty or chilled to the bone) will look miserable and stunted.

Strong winds are inclined to blow small containers over or even smash them, so the complete exercise can prove costly. Larger containers may cost a little more, but they are going to last more and grow significantly better plants.

Half a dozen of them, chosen to enrich each other, may have rather more impact than a sprinkling of small ones. Position them in groups or as sentinels flanking a path or a flight of steps and you’ll create instant impact.

You can plant them up now, using seasonal plants which includes witch hazel or evergreens like cones of yew. Other containers may be planted up with seasonal displays of hyacinths and dwarf narcissi which includes Tête-à-tête – available now in pots – winter-flowering heathers and pansies.

When it involves compost i take advantage of a mix of equal parts John Innes No.3 and a peat-free multipurpose mix, which offers weight for stability and an honest ‘open’ structure to avoid compaction.

Position the containers before you fill them with compost (to prevent straining your back) and regulate them for watering throughout the winter. They won’t need weekly liquid feeding until spring.

Even now, in winter, a number of well-chosen pots and tubs, at the side of bright residents, will cheer you up.

TOP TIP 

If the elements is intensely cold, try grouping planted containers together next to a south-facing wall for cover. Check pots are becoming adequate rainwater, though, and if not then water regularly.

Don’t miss Alan’s gardening column today and each day within the Daily Express. For additional info on his range of gardening products, visit alantitchmarsh.com.