Growing Things: Start planning your container gardens now — yes, in January

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Article content
Ok, I know what the first reaction is going to be when you read the topic of today’s column, which is planning annual containers.
After all, we are still in the dead of winter. Dead is the keyword.
I’ve had enough of the dead winter, and my mind is turning to the green of spring and summer. What better way to lose the winter doldrums than to start thinking and planning your containers?
Container gardening continues to grow in popularity by leaps and bounds. This form of gardening is as popular as it is because of its versatility. Containers with flowering plants can be used virtually anywhere and can brighten up any area.
I use some of mine under spruces to add a splash of colour or even under shade trees next to a bench or seat. The containers add colour and interest no matter where they are. I also use mine in beds next to established perennials or shrubs. I like the ability to change things up and move one container out and another in for some variety and a fresh look. The old idea of only using a container on a deck or patio has been transformed. Now containers can be in the flowerbed and actually be the bed.
One of the best sources of ideas for container combinations can be found on the Proven Winners website. I am always inspired by the suggestions and container recipes found on this website.
I have used these recipes in the past and have a few examples to share to get you started:
Penny for Your Thoughts – I just really like this combination. There is something uplifting about the look and I think it makes for a great cascading planter that can accent a fence or wall or even be used on an outdoor table. Just let it trail off the table for a nice look.
Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon) Angelface Blue Qty: 2
Lobelia Laguna Sky Blue Qty: 2
Petunia Supertunia Lemon Plume Qty: 2
Petunia Supertunia Mini Rose Veined Qty: 2
Verbena Babylon Deep Pink Qty: 2
Simply Tasteful — A great collection of purples.
Petunia Supertunia Mini Blue Veined Qty: 3
Calibrachoa Superbells Blue Qty: 3
Petunia Supertunia Bordeaux Qty: 3
Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon) Angelface Blue Qty: 1
Copper Sunset – A great mix of foliage in shades of chartreuse to bronze.
Acalypha (Copperleaf Plant) ?Qty: 1
Solenostemon (Coleus) Juliet Quartermain Qty: 3
Deutzia Chardonnay Pearls Qty: 2
Oxalis Zinfandel Qty: 2
Vinca ‘Illumination’ Qty: 2
Black Velvet – Bright lemon Symphony and Goldilocks just stand out among the dark purples and blues.
Lysimachia (Creeping Jenny) Goldilocks Qty: 3
Osteospermum Lemon Symphony Qty: 3
Petunia Supertunia Royal Velvet Qty: 3
Verbena Superbena Large Lilac Blue Qty: 3
Ipomoea (Sweet Potato Vine) Black Heart Qty: 3
You can find images of most of these plants right on the Proven Winners website
Every week, Growing Things Outdoors runs online at?edmontonjournal.com?or, if you prefer a paper format, epaper.edmontonjournal.com
Learn more by emailing your questions to?filipskigerald@gmail.com, reading past columns or my book?Just Ask Jerry. You can also follow me on X (Twitter)?@justaskjerry01.
Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.
You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.