Winter Container Gardening

Plants can include:

Violas  Colourful and hardy
Winter pansies  Again, available in a myriad of colours
Don't forget to deadhead violas and pansies to promote longer flowering periods
Trailing ivy (plain or variegated)  Brings shape to a display and the trailing form gives the impression of abundance
Dwarf conifers  Dark or light green evergreens
Primulas  For spring colour; either classic or more unusual varieties such as drumstick-shaped
Herbs  Buy small plug plants - they will soon fill out and provide plenty of foliage
Heathers  Buy Winter/Spring flowering types - Autumn/Winter ones finish flowering earlier
Bulbs such as dwarf narcissi  For a burst of colour in early spring
Ornamental cabbages  For interesting pink and green leaves
Small shrubs  Especially those with berries (e.g. skimmia) or attractive leaves (e.g. euonymous)

All of these can be planted out in the garden after the winter season is over, or alternatively they can be left in their baskets or containers as permanent features.  September is a particularly good month to make winter containers and baskets, because this is the tail end of the "growing season" and so the plants will grow and become established before the really cold weather takes over.

Creating a Winter Container

To make a winter tub, first line the container with a few old crocks (e.g. pieces of broken flowerpot) for drainage.  Then add compost, perhaps with a plant food and water-retentive mix such as BasketMate.  Plant any bulbs to the recommended depth before adding the other plants.  Remember to put trailing plants at the edge of the container, and be aware that plants grow more slowly in winter than summer, so pack them in fairly closely.

Alternatively, create a dramatic impact with just one shrub or plant in each tub.  Choose a plant or shrub which is in proportion to the size of the container.  For example, a cotoneaster or skimmia by itself in a tub looks dramatic and can be planted out in the garden in the spring; or a clipped box ball or bay tree in a container will provide rich evergreen colour.

Creating a Winter Hanging Basket

Find a wire hanging basket and line the bottom of it, preferably with moss.  A moss lining lets the plants spread more easily than a cardboard one with holes in - particularly important in the winter.  Build the basket up in layers, keeping a moss outside and compost middle.  Gradually push the plants through from the inside outwards (not outside inwards as it is more likely to damage the roots).  Add a plant food and water-retentive mix such as BasketMate, and plant any bulbs to the recommended depth from the top of the basket.  When the basket is full of compost, add small shrubs to sit on the top, and trailing ivy to fall over the sides of the basket.  As with winter tubs, be aware that plants grow more slowly in winter than summer, so plant them close together.

And finally... don't forget to water your containers and baskets!

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