FALL CONTAINER PLANTING WORKSHOP
On a busy Friday afternoon at work I took a break from my normal desk views to take part in a special workshop during lunch. I had been dreaming of attending one of these workshops for sometime but consistently missed the sign-up (they're popular). Lucky for me one of my sweet colleagues was unable to make it and gave me her spot!
Terrain, one of the sister brands to to the company I work for, hosts a special topic gardening workshop once a month so they've pretty much got these things down to a science. The topic was fall container planting and it focused on techniques and tricks to create a visually appealing and cooler-temperature-friendly outdoor planter. I'm a big dork and love to get schooled so this was pretty much heaven for me.
Terrain's product specialist was on-hand to guide us through the entire process and educate us on the plants we had to choose- there were ornamental leafy greens, peppers and grass, climbing ivies, and asters. Here are some of the tips she shared I found the most interesting:
+ Smaller container plants can be planted at an angle so that their leaves face out and create a more aesthetically pleasing composition.
+ When thinking about your container garden's composition remember these things:
1. Odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye than even. Three being an optimum number
2. Choose plants with varying textures and heights to create visual interest
3. Consider the colors you're using- what is the overall look you're trying to achieve?
+ For container gardens without drainage use a thin layer of gravel or rock before adding your soil. The rocks allow for water to drain away from the roots and sit as a reserve for when your plant needs more water.
+ Plants shouldn't be watered on a schedule, instead check the soil to decide whether your container needs water or not. If the top inch of soil is dry you should wet the soil evenly, if it's moist let it be.
In the end I walked away with a beautiful new fall container filled with an ornamental pepper plant, cabbage and grass. Kind of an amazing work opportunity don't you think? I've already signed up for another workshop, this time on porcelain jewelry. Oh no- I think I'm addicted. - b.
PS- Thanks to Maddie for the pictures of the workshop! Sometimes it pays to have a photographer as a friend ;)