A couple of months ago I asked Mr. G if he would build a serving table for the deck. He looked at me and said something like, “what size do you want this potting bench to be.” I said oh no… just a serving table for food and drinks when we are eating outside. Fast forward to last week when he showed me what he was thinking of building and I immediately started thinking just how lovely his table would look with plants in containers all around and on it. And how convenient it would be for a quick potting project if needed. #busted #heknowsme Regardless, I know it will be beautiful, sturdy, “multi-purpose” and a great addition to the deck! 😄💐🪴 Now for the big decisions — which roses and companions to plant around this new table!
Even though I have a large garden, I do love growing in containers. I read somewhere that Tasha Tudor always had the most beautiful container at the time moved to beside “her” chair on the porch. That’s what we all want… the most beautiful plants up close to us. I always have a few roses and favorite plants in pots for just that reason — to have them close to where we enjoy sitting. One of our very favs is Lantana — brings the butterflies and hummingbirds so close.
Many people ask whether or not a certain rose can be grown in a container and I say almost any rose can — if the pot is large enough! Well, maybe not Paul’s Himalayan Musk but …. maybe.
DECISIONS ABOUT GROWING ROSES IN CONTAINERS
Some of the best tips on growing roses in containers I have ever heard were when I chatted with Rebecca Koreytem of David Austin Roses last spring on Rose Chat. You can listen here…
ABOUT REBECCA…
A sought-after speaker and educator, Rebecca Koraytem is the U. S. Sales Executive for David Austin Roses Ltd., providing technical and retail support to customers in the United States and Canada. Prior to joining David Austin Roses, Rebecca served as garden editor for Southern Living magazine for 15 years. Rebecca holds an MS and BS in Horticulture from Clemson University.
Another great Rose Chat with Rebecca … The Fragrance of Roses (Link)
ROSES IN MY GARDEN
If you are looking to make decisions about which roses to buy this year, here are some of the roses in my garden and a list of suppliers.
TOMATO DECISIONS
I can’t talk about container gardening without talking about Mr. G’s driveway tomato garden. Each year I start seeds of his favorite tomato, STEAK SANDWICH. Then he has the big decisions of what other ones to add that can be found locally. He usually plants 3 or 4 of his Steak Sandwiches then 3 or 4 others. What is your favorite tomato to grow? I always vote for at least one Mr. Stripey.
These pictures tell it all. Mr. G is very successful with his tomatoes and a few other veggies too. I just can’t wait for all the fresh veg! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
After seeing that, doesn’t a BLT with fresh tomatoes sound so good! Or some fresh bruschetta!
NEW ROSES TO THINK ABOUT
Last year I grew this little beauty from the Proven Winners Rise Up series of mini climbers on an obelisk on my Potting Shed porch and LOVED it.
RISE UP LILAC DAYS…
Here is a link to other mini-climbing roses in the RISE UP series. LINK
ON THE MOVE
Speaking of containers in the garden whether we want to put them in prime spots to show off or to get them closer or farther away from the sun – moving them can be an issue. Last year we decided on these to help. There are not super heavy duty but worked for most of our containers. LINK
SPRING IS COMING SOON
Spring is coming soon! Gardeners have so many decisions to make in the next few weeks/months and these are the most fun decisions! 🌸🌹🌻🌷🪴
Enjoy!
As always, I have enjoyed seeing your tomato photos and the pic of the rose, Rise Up Lilac Days. And I know that Mr. G’s serving table and other multi-task uses for it will be a nice addition to your deck. He is so handy and talented! I always love reading about Tasha Tudor. I have an interesting tidbit about the hymn, “There Is No Secret What God Can Do.” It was written by Stuart Hamblen in 1949 after his conversion to Christianity. He and John Wayne, cowboy, actor, were friends and neighbors, and John Wayne suggested that Stuart write the song after hearing a direct quote from Hamblen at a dinner. Have a great week! God bless.