As landscape design Dallas experts, we are frequently consulted about containers. Containers have always been an interest of ours because of their different shapes and sizes. They can add a splash of color to any pool area of a property. In a way, containers are a garden in themselves and can provide a visual focal point in areas where it may not be easy to achieve otherwise. A well placed container can set off an area, adding brightness into what otherwise may be a ‘dead spot’.
There are a number of ways to using containers in the landscape. The primary one they allow you to better control the soil mixture, rather than rely on your garden dirt, and you can use a higher quality or even a specialized soil choice that is different from the garden. It is also easier to control the quantity of water delivered, as in our Dallas heat containers can dry out fast. These miniature gardens provide a way to create great arrangements because of their constrained size. You can easily create impact of color because it takes fewer plants to fill the space even though you will be using large containers.
As with any garden, water and feeding is a necessity for its success. We almost always install a drip line from the existing irrigation system to each container. You can run the tube underneath the container or have it come up over the side of the container. A drip line will save you many hours of work. And you can go on long break knowing that your plants will look just as good on your return. We highly recommend using irrigation drip lines to water your containers especially during the dry periods. Provide fertilizer as well as this will make your plants healthy and provide you with many blooms.
When it comes to the size of a container – bigger is better, especially with our Dallas summers, as they can dry out fast. We recommend using large containers as they will keep damp longer than smaller containers. We also like to choose large containers as they can work as a focal point in the garden. Let us repeat our rule – if you are going to use containers, always use a substantial one. They may be weighty but you will benefit in many ways. As mentioned, they will retain their moisture longer than smaller containers.
Nor will they get lost in the landscape. Here’s landscaping Dallas TX advice on this: objects tend to look smaller outdoors. The scale outside is different than inside. That is because the sky which acts as the roof is much farther away and the boundaries are further away. A series of small containers tend to look untidy and visually get lost. And of course it is easier to install a watering system and tend to one large container than several small pots.
When it comes to thinking about plants suitable for the Dallas climate, there are a variety to choose from. For a bright flower that can withstand the sun and heat, a good standard is Cora Periwinkle, or even colorful SunPatiens, crotons and Zebrina pedula.
