Ideas for Special Features
Some of the most popular garden features can also be low-maintenance if selected wisely and carefully established. Here are some suggestions for installing and maintaining a selection of attractive additions to your garden.
EASY-CARE CONTAINERS
The main task with containers is watering, which in summer often needs to be done more than once a day. However, an automatic watering system can take care of this.
Alternatively, choose tough plants such as shrubs, rather than bedding plants. They will still need watering, but will survive limited periods of neglect. There are also perennial plants that can remain in their containers for several years. These will provide less of a summer show than brightly coloured bedding plants, but can be successful as focal points.
Mixed Collections
Try a mixed planting of perhaps three small shrubs, with different foliage shapes and colours. If you really want the brightness of bedding plants, plant just a couple of these and have permanent plants in other containers.
Decorative Containers
Some flowering evergreens can look a bit boring when not in bloom. A frost-proof decorative pot will make sure such plants always remain a feature.
EASY-CARE CONTAINERS
The main task with containers is watering, which in summer often needs to be done more than once a day. However, an automatic watering system can take care of this.
Alternatively, choose tough plants such as shrubs, rather than bedding plants. They will still need watering, but will survive limited periods of neglect. There are also perennial plants that can remain in their containers for several years. These will provide less of a summer show than brightly coloured bedding plants, but can be successful as focal points.
Mixed Collections
Try a mixed planting of perhaps three small shrubs, with different foliage shapes and colours. If you really want the brightness of bedding plants, plant just a couple of these and have permanent plants in other containers.
Decorative Containers
Some flowering evergreens can look a bit boring when not in bloom. A frost-proof decorative pot will make sure such plants always remain a feature.
