Spring containers

March signals the official start of spring so it’s time to think about colourful pots to enhance your patio or frame your front door.

There are many pot types to choose from including plastic ones, which are lightweight and durable, terracotta ones, which are a traditional favourite, glazed ceramic, which adds a contemporary twist or wooden containers and stone pots for formal schemes. Make sure whatever you choose is big enough so plants won’t need repotting for a while.

Use fresh compost and drainage holes are a must. Semi-permanent hardy plants should be planted in the middle of large containers with surrounding bedding plants. Choose a plant to suit the position it will be in, whether it be in sun or shade. Phormium and Cordyline do well in sunshine and Fatsia, Buxus (Box) and Camellias do well in shady spaces.

Colour schemes are perfect for high impact. Monoplanting can give a strong look while traditionally mixing varieties together can still look great. The choice of plants is endless with many new varieties available each year that supersede older ones, therefore increasing the amount of flowers. Primroses are great for a spring like feel. Pansies and Violas are good for containers and are available for almost 12 months of the year.