Container planting is an excellent way to create a vibrant garden when you have minimal space for traditional, in-ground, planters. In fact, even if you do have the space for traditional planters, containers and pots will bring additional beauty to your landscape.

Creative Concepts Landscape will be happy to discuss container plant options specifically tailored for your property. Give us a call (818 248-7436), or email, to find out more. In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at some possibilities.

 

What Do We Mean by ‘Containers’? 

 

Plant containers are usually movable pots, however there are also stationary containers that come in a variety of sizes and can be quite large.

 

Here’s a rather original plant container. Plant containers, usually movable pots, can actually be made of almost anything.

 

Plant containers can be made from a variety of materials, including:

• Metal
• Clay
• Ceramic
• Wood
• Plastic
• Cement
• Terra cotta

 

Creative Concepts Landscape will help you determine which one would be most appropriate for your garden and needs. There are positives and potential drawbacks to each type of container, but it often comes down to matching the aesthetics of your landscape.

 

Large ceramic containers

 

Wood containers are perfect for vegetable gardens (these ones are custom built by Creative Concepts Landscape)

 

Cement containers

 

Plastic containers

 

As you can see, containers come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. One of the most important things to keep in mind, regardless of the material type, is that all containers should have drainage holes at the bottom to let excess water out. Plants need water, but too much sitting water will damage them.

 

Some specific considerations for container types:

• Clay and terra cotta pots are porous, allowing for increased water evaporation, thus they will need more frequent watering
• Plastic and glazed cement containers are non-porous and maintain temperature and water at a more constant level
• Wood planters (made of redwood or cedar) are more naturally resistant to decay (as compared to many other wood types)
• Metal containers can get quite hot and will need more watering

 

Let us know what you have in mind, and we will be happy to discuss specifics and make recommendations.

 

 

Plant Types for Containers 

 

What types of plants work well in containers, you ask? Depending on the size and dimensions of the containers (and your local climate), there is almost no limit as to the available plant varieties.

 

Topiary

Topiary gardens are often whimsical yet highly structured. These plants are usually sheared to create various forms. Because of the precision shearing, plants with densely growing, small leaves tend to do well, such as myrtle and boxwoods.

 

Storefront topiary in containers

 

Cottage

Cottage container planting usually consists of various perennials and annuals combined in a loose, often colorful design within each container.

 

Like the English garden look, but live in an apartment in Van Nuys? A container with a cottage aesthetic will fit the desire (and space).

 

Fruit Trees

Dwarf varieties of fruit trees are well suited for container planting. These trees have smaller root systems, but with the right amount of fertilizer and irrigation, they will produce a bountiful crop for you.

 

An edible container garden with basil and a dwarf citrus tree

 

Succulent Garden

Succulents make for one of the most well adapted plant types for containers. Their root systems tend to be simple, requiring less soil and fitting into shallower pots.

 

A stoop succulent garden

 

No matter the container and plant type, Creative Concepts Landscape will create a design for your landscape… and do the work!

 

Interested? Check out our Yelp page and give us a call (818 248-7436) or email today!

 

By Daniel Williams

Client Liaison for Creative Concepts Landscape Management