The anticipation of summer can often be as thrilling as the season itself, some years you could even say more so, and the ritual of dressing the garden in expectation of long evenings, family BBQs and quiet contemplation is one of the most fulfilling and spiritual parts of the preparation. The garden is very versatile and you are not limited to the space that borders your lawn. If you want to make the most of your garden you should consider pots and containers. But, where do you start?
Tulips
We’ll start with tulips because they’re instantly recognisable. Standing tall and available in a dizzying array of colours, these flowers are a simple way to give your garden a splash of instant personality.
Poppies
Best for early summer, poppies are more than a national symbol. For a few glorious weeks in early summer, the fragile looking but surprisingly tough flowers are a breath-taking addition to any outdoor space. You’ll feel a sadness once they go, but you will be able to reuse the pots instantly.
Dahlias
As a replacement for your poppies, you could do a lot worse than dahlias. The multi-layered flower will thrill you for the rest of the summer.
Geraniums
If you’re lucky enough to live in a frost free area, then your geraniums will last all year round. For most of us they are a riotous summer treat, producing extravagant displays almost as soon as the first swallow has sung.
Roses
Roses come in so many varieties that you are even able to have your own eponymous flower. Mini roses work brilliantly for pots, as do rose shrubs.
Peas
Growing peas is fulfilling on many levels. As the shoots poke through, they look beautiful, when the pods start to show your mouth starts to water, and when they’re ready for harvest you can eat them raw straight off the plant.
Purple Agapanthus
Unlike the other flowers on this list, the pot is the natural home of the agapanthus. Not instantly recognisable by name, you’ll recognise the distinctive cluster of flowers ahead a long stalk. Great for planting in late summer.
Purple Sensation Allium
A springtime flower, the allium hollandicum puts you in mind of a purple dandelion, so delicate it looks as though it could blow away in the wind. As an early bloomer it can act as a tantalising taster of the summer to come.
Basil, Dill, Chives
Growing herbs is almost as simple as sowing the seeds and watching them grow. Depending on when you start them, you may want to kick start your herb garden inside but once the night frosts are gone, you can move them outdoors. Most herbs, especially basil, will also add a wonderful fragrance to your garden.
Chillies
A chilli plant can be a real talking point as well as eventually adding a kick to your dinner. Plants come in all sizes, shapes, colours and, of course, levels of heat. Watch out for the black fly though, and try to move the pots as the sun makes its way across the sky.
Written by Sam Luther, a gardens blogger with several years experience in the gardening industry
Top 10 Plants For Plant Pots
