Vintage Jardinaire great for carefree container gardens

Many gardeners want colorful container gardens throughout the summer, but don't want them to be time-consuming, Here's a tip: labor now,- lounge later.  An initial investment of time and labor while putting together your container will save you many hours of work throughout the summer. You can take steps at each stage of container construction to reduce or eliminate maintenance tasks.

 The most time consuming task is watering, so use every technique possible to minimize this chore. First, select the right containers.  Choose large containers that will hold moisture. Glazed pottery Jardinieres are a perfect choice.  Avoid small pots, moss baskets, and clay pots that fry out quickly. Another trick to keep the soil cool and to limit evaporation is to provide additional insulation by lining the interior sides of the jardinieres with plastic bubble-wrap.  For good water retention, use high quality potting soil.

Plant selection is also very important to having a carefree container garden.  Be sure that only plants having the same light and water requirements are combined in a container.  You can reduce watering chores by choosing plants that are drought tolerant. Also, be sure to include plants with interesting foliage. Foliage comes in many shades of green, yellow, silver burgundy and other colors.  These plants will look beautiful in the decorative jardiniere. For the final touch, cover the soil surface with tiny bark chips, moss or gravel to reduce surface evaporation and to keep roots cool.

 With care, you can enjoy your container garden all year round. Bring them in the house during the winter months, and enjoy!

Available for sale at Brick House Antique Center
Palmyra, NY

Brick House Antique Center has a variety of garden jardiniere's that are beautiful and decorative, stop by or shop online at www.brickhouseantiques.com. Many are Majolica, they are priced from $20-$125.00.