Gardens Contained

Leucothoe, Pieris and Skimnia.
Dicentra formosa 'Bacchanal', Pulmonaria rubrum, Hyacinthus 'Jan Bos' and lily-flowering Tulipa 'Ballade'.
From back to front: Hydrangea mac. 'Eisvogel', Hosta 'Northern Exposure', Lavendula ang. 'Hidcote'.
pots are: Salix, Euonymus variegata and Acer palmatum.

With the huge assortment of colorful and reasonably priced terra cotta, resin, iron, ceramic, bio-degradable and galvanized steel containers now available, both experienced and novice gardeners alike have become part of the huge container gardening movement. Here are five facts to tell your customers about plants in pots:

One:
Containers can open up the pleasures of gardening for people with limited outdoor space.
Appeal to potential new gardeners, especially those living in apartments. Show them how space, or lack of it, need not be a problem for those who want to bring the pleasure of plants into their lives. Even the tiniest balcony or front stoop can be brought to life with the right plants.

Two:
Planters are the quickest and most flexible way of bringing foliage, color and life to patios, driveways or paved areas.
Immediate results and ease are major drivers in the buying decisions of today's consumer. A balcony or terrace can be instantly transformed into a garden oasis. An attractively planted container or two can immediately change boring or problem areas, such as brick walkways or paved driveways into attractive, as well as functional, features of any home. Encourage customers to 'go beyond the ordinary' with unique, containerized combinations of both flowering and foliage perennials.

Three:
Moving? Now they can take their plants with them.
We're a moveable society and our living arrangements can change overnight. Some people are reluctant to invest in garden plants because they don't know how long they will be at their current home. Point out the ease with which even the largest of potted plants can be loaded into a moving van, right along with the living room furniture.

Four:
Have fun experimenting with all sorts of plant combinations.
'Redecorating' is easy with potted plants as there is no digging required. This fact especially appeals to customers who like to decorate their homes according to holidays and the seasons. In your garden centre, show how different container arrangements of the same set of plants can create quite different effects. Themed displays, such as winter urns overflowing with evergreens, berries, branches and pinecones can extend your sales season into the typically slower winter months. In spring and summer, patio pots offer the ideal opportunity in which to showcase the colors and textures of perennials, at the same time allowing your customers to truly express their gardening personalities.

Five:
It's easy to create the ideal living conditions.
Many people hanker after a particular type of plant that they just can't grow because of their soil type or climate. What a wonderful opportunity to show customers that by simply using the proper potting mixture, they can now have the acid-loving Azaleas or Ericas that they covet. The added bonus is that, in containers, these plants can be enjoyed outside in the summer and indoors in the winter.

No matter how you cut it, container gardens are a win-win for both retailer and consumer.