Colourful containers for the autumn by Leigh gardener Jo Ixer

September 12, 2012

>Yesterday I was relaxing in my garden and feeling the heat of the sun on my face ( at last! ). Looking upwards I saw yellow, orange and golden brown hues. The colours and shape of my sunflowers contrasting beautifully against the deep blue sky, perfect! A work of art in my garden! This is one of the things that draws me to gardening. Wonderful corners where plants create peaceful places, a sculpture or splash of dramatic colour that plants can create in a border or pot. Beauty waiting  to be discovered by the close examination of a plant or flower. Little works of art in the garden.

>There are lots of other things I enjoy too. As a gardener I always find that the reclamation of a garden that has become overgrown is very satisfying.  I love the discovery of plants  lost beneath the undergrowth and the emergence of the gardens shape and form. 

>Another thing I feel passionately about is gardening with children. Children have great fun in the outdoors and I feel that they learn so much via the use of gardening.  I have two children aged 7yrs and 8yrs who love to help at the allotment ( although I have to admit my eldest probably enjoys going to the allotment cafe most of all).  I have also spent a lot of time in a preschool, gardening with the children.  Its great to see them playing in the soil and they love telling me about the plants that have grown from the seeds we have sown.  There are many ways to engage children in gardening and if they  dont want to get grubby ( which some  dont ) then doing art work in the garden still connects them with nature. 

>A lovely way for anybody to create their own bit of art whether its dramatic, romantic or classic is to plant in a  container. You dont need to have a big space and at this time of year when the evenings are getting shorter and the summer is leaving us, a pretty pot of loveliness is a welcome sight to lift your spirits! Depending on the plants you choose the pot can also look great through the winter and into spring.

>Choose your container.

>It is better to have a thicker pot to protect the roots from harsher weather. It is important that the container is frost proof so that it doesn't crack.  You can also use pot feet or bricks to lift the pot off the floor which helps protect the pot from the frost.

>It is also fun to fill a hanging basket at this time of year or look out for an unusual thing  to use as a container.  As long as it has drainage holes many different types of containers can be used. 

>I have used old baskets and lined them.  I have even used old wellies with drainage holes  as a fun thing to plant in when gardening with children. Just use your imagination to make a container unique to your garden.

>Of course there are loads to choose from at your local garden centre or recycled from your own garden. Have fun planting!

>Jo Ixer's gardening service is contactable via her email: joixer@sky.com or phone: 07884 201 096