Spring has officially arrived, and if you’re anything like me, that first hint of warmth has you itching to get back in the garden, pondering your containers and what you’ll tuck into them this season. But before the shopping and planting frenzy begins, there’s one thing I’d encourage you to…

Every container garden holds more than soil and plants. It holds a story: who lives there, how the space is used, what season of life they’re in, and a bit of the gardener’s personality. That’s one of the reasons I love container gardening so much. With just…

It’s December, and like many of you, my inbox is overflowing with “last chance” deals, countdown clocks, and limited-time offers. And while I appreciate a good deal, I try not to let all the noise dictate my spending. Instead of clicking impulsively, I keep a running list of thoughtful gift ideas throughout the…

August is known for its sizzling heat and as the time when our container gardens hit their peak, overflowing with everything we’ve nurtured for months. Right now, mine are bursting with blueberries, crisp lettuce, armfuls of blooms like verbena bonariensis, echinacea, and dahlias. Every glance out my office window gives me a little…

We all want our container plantings to stay full of color and texture, even on the hottest days of summer. With a little care and some smart plant choices, they absolutely can. This week marks both the first official week of summer and National Pollinator Week. As container gardeners, we have a front…

I learned a new word last week, neurasthenics, thanks to Melissa Gerstle at the Digging In Association’s Winter Conference. I’ve always known that a well-tended garden or even just a few plants, can brighten my day. I understand the science behind Biophilia, which explains the proven mental and physical benefits of gardening. But…

There’s just something about yellow. Last month, I shared that tete a tetes signify the arrival of spring for me. I recently found myself thinking about what is it about tete a tetes that makes me feel so cheerful and happy.  Is it something as simple as their color? Yellow symbolizes happiness. One…

The heat has arrived and forecasters throughout the nation are telling most of us that it’s going to be an unusually warm and dry summer. This can be stressful not only for us, but for the container plantings we care for.  How do we get the best from our container gardens – which…

Does your baby need new shoes?  Are your plant’s roots cramped into tight quarters?  It might be time to move your plant into a bigger pot.  Before you get started, you’ll want to make sure it needs more space. The best time to assess your plant’s repotting needs is in spring, as this…

Soil is the secret sauce to beautiful container plantings that’s often not considered enough. Choosing the right soil is the foundation to any successful container planting. The quality of your potting soil is the key to ensuring that you have happy, healthy plants which will receive the nutrients they need to grow.  If…

Ready to Purchase a Container? March is a wonderful month to shop for outdoor containers. Retailers typically have received new arrivals and offer a wide selection. Many run beginning-of-the-season sales to help them move product from previous seasons, making for some great value purchasing.  Despite this, in March they aren’t crazy busy with…