Containers Solve at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

NEVER LET IT be said that container gardens are second best to gardens in the soil. They may be labor-intensive but, as a reward, they can be as rich and extravagant as your pocket and patience will allow. Containers solve many problems for would-be gardeners. They are the answer for a paved city courtyard and a Roof patio ten floors high, and an excellent solution for people who cannot bend easily to dig. They are an ideal finishing touch: a collection of window-boxes can complete a house front. Whatever the purpose, the choice of containers is enormous.

In many respects, small containers are more difficult to place. Several small containers scattered about do not necessarily make a bold impact and can look fussy. Furthermore, a group of small containers can also be more difficult to maintain. However, they do come into their own when placed around the edges of larger containers to soften their outlines.

Try to create different levels when you group containers and arrange them in a tiered manner. Not only is this visually more exciting than a uniform row of pots, but each planting will be displayed to best effect and create a terrace-like cascade of foliage. Do not mix too many different types of containers in one group. Either choose containers of a similar style, or stick to one type of material, such as terracotta.