Planting a Perfect Porch Pot: Sun Containers

Have you often admired the many gorgeous flower containers in Fairbanks in the summer time? Have you wondered what the secrets are to designing these colorful displays, and equally important – how to keep them looking beautiful all summer? If your answer is yes, come join this class and learn the simple techniques for successful planting and maintenance of flower containers.

I will begin the class with a discussion of the art of creating these eye-popping hanging baskets and porch pots. First will be “the hardscape” – how to choose the container, what kind of soil, what fertilizer at planting. Next we’ll discuss plant selection with emphasis on flower color, foliage color and texture, growth form (is it more upright or does it trail, is it spiky or is it fluffy), sun requirements, and tolerances. We’ll consider what plants grow well together with respect to aggressiveness of growth and their specific cultural requirements. We’ll think about design tricks such as repetition of colors with different flower types and sizes. I’ll also give you the keys to not only maintaining your container all season (watering, deadheading, trimming, and pinching) but also enjoying the process.