Creating Colorful Container Gardens (Page 2)
by Naomi
Mathews (Lanao2(at)aol.com)
(Copyright March, 1999 by Naomi Mathews)
An eye-catching blend of summer hues
'Blue
Victoria' Salvia is
an excellent choice as an upright flower for the back
area of your windowbox. They will provide a cool shade
with their tall spikes of blue flowers. Salvia blooms
from late spring to late fall, and adapts well to containers.
Two to four plants will be adequate.
'Scarlet'
Nicotiana
is a charming, old-fashioned upright flower, with showy
trumpet-shaped blossoms. Choose the scarlet colored variety
called "Domino" to blend beautifully with the
other colors we will be adding. Alternate three or four
Nicotiana with the Salvia when planting.
'Trailing
Classic' Zinnias
with their cheerful blossoms will cascade nicely over
the edge of your windowbox. Plant one or maybe two in
each front corner of your windowbox, placing them fairly
close to the outer edge for trailing. They will also bloom
until late fall with little care.
'Trailing
Rapid Blue' Lobelia
produce masses of tiny dark blue flowers from late spring
to late fall. Their delicate dark green leaves create
a pleasing foliage contrast. Intersperse these little
gems between the Classic Zinnias and Marigolds for a smooth
symmetrical look.
'Yellow
Pot' Marigolds
are a superb filler plant. They are easy to grow, and
will make a splash of bright yellow planted front and
center with the Blue Lobelia and Classic Zinnias. This
continues the symmetric or balanced look of your windowbox.
A delicate 'Pink
Miniature Rouletti' Rose will add a touch of
elegance and a heavenly fragrance, and also fill out the
center of your windowbox. This dainty miniature rose offers
great foliage contrast and is a superb color compliment
for a finishing touch. 
Your brilliant container "garden painting" is now complete. You will soon see the full beauty of your handiwork as each plant grows and bursts into bloom.
A word about the care of your windowbox
Container plants need to be watered more often than those planted in your garden. Establish a regular watering schedule for best results. Spray a reliable liquid fertilizer on your plants every two to three weeks to keep them thriving and healthy. Keep an eye out for noxious plant "pests" and if necessary, treat with a reliable organic pest control substance. Finally, be sure to deadhead faded or drooping blossoms and leaves. Doing this keeps your windowbox looking fresh as a daisy, and also promotes continual blooming throughout the summer.
