Thursday, February 11, 2010

Container Planting in Marin

It’s that time of year again here in Northern California to take stock of your garden containers

to see which plants need to be repotted, given the boot ( in polite terms : ‘edited out’ ) and

or given a whole new fresh look.

From Container Plantings


I’m completely taking out the papyrus in the blue pots that sit on either side of my front door.

I’m afraid these big mature plants might crack the pots this summer so OUT they go.

They’ll be recycled into the back yard garden.

From Container Plantings


Other containers will be refreshed with rich new potting mix and some of the old plants

will be divided and replanted so that the plants will continue the perform their best.

All of the irrigation emitters will be checked too.

From Container Plantings


From Container Plantings


Some large containers are going to need a complete overhaul due to the soil

settling too low in the pot.

This is going to be a big job repotting this Guardsman Phormium, but it has to be done.

From Container Plantings


Most of my terra cotta planters will be moved back into place for the upcoming season.

Some were placed in the greenhouse while others were moved to the front porch

for frost protection.

From New Album 6/2/09 4:27 PM

From New Album 6/2/09 4:27 PM


Several of my ‘Pot Head’ containers will be outfitted with new succulents and bromeliads

From portfolioMay08.jpg


While some customer containers will be refreshed with new mulch ,

such as shiny mexican pebbles or colored tumbled glass pebbles.

From portfolioMay08.jpg

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your containers are amazing! Can't wait to see what new things you put in.

Suzanne said...

Just stumbled onto you blog and what amazing pictures. Thank you for sharing. Wonderful containers. I have a few myself and also have to move them. I found Potlifter makes it so much easier. Thank you again for the beautiful blog.

Pam/Digging said...

That sounds like a big job, Michelle. I love those pot heads. They have great personality!

Dirty Girl Gardening said...

I just was working on that today (see post) .... my poor dianthus was in need of some repotting. Your containers are beautiful... great color combos.

Phrago said...

Michelle, this is a very beautiful post. And a timely reminder. I, too, am repotting with a frenzy right now. So much so that my sinuses are draining from too much Bark dust. Must remember to wear Mask! Got some large strawberry pots last year shall plant some succulants in them this year, And some strawberries for the patio. I wonder if the Border ollies will eat them!
The pots for the pool job you did a couple of years ago grew in nicely! And I think you are wise to take that pampus out of there. What are you planning to replace them with?

Debbie said...

Michelle,

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed seeing all your lovely containers. I can't imagine ever venturing into the house with all those interesting containers outside.

danger garden said...

Wow, I am drooling! They all are gorgeous. The first picture, your blue papyrus, and of course the 'pot heads' have me feeling that spring can't get here fast enough!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Your containers are like candy for the soul!

We had such a bad freeze that many of our big containers lost their contents...will need to replace anyway! :(

Karly said...

Michelle, your planters are inspiring! I'm going to take a closer look and see if I can borrow some of your ideas :-)

Phrago said...

MIchelle, did you know that the links to your page always open to the "Let Them Eat Cake" Post and don't travel to the newer ones. DI you change your address with the face lift? Patrick

Deviant Deziner, aka Michelle said...

Hi Patrick,
I didn't know that.
I changed the template and added a new feature when I joined the Garden Round table group.
I try undoing the whole thing and see if that works.
Thanks for letting me know.
Michelle

Farouflora, thanks , I'm looking forward to how the new containers come out myself.

Suzanne, glad you enjoyed the read.

Pam, Yeah definitely a big job but one that has to be done.

Dirty Girl, saw your post. ah.
always something to do in the garden !

Debbie,
I really enjoy container gardening and thanks for stopping in and leaving your thoughts.

Karly, borrow away !!!

F Cameron said...

Fantastic containers! I love the groupings.

I don't know why it took so long for me to find your blog -- with this crazy, long, cold winter --there is an upside to cabin fever -- I have time to find more gardening blogs to read! :-)

Cheers,
Cameron