ONE Start with sturdy weights so that your planter doesn’t blow over. Rocks work well and won’t block drainage. Next, add six to eight inches of moisture control potting mix with slow-release fertilizer. This is especially important for cottagers who won’t be up every weekend, as it will retain moisture better than traditional soils.
TWO Add a layer of sea compost. It stimulates plant growth and increases water retention.
THREE Next, add plants that are very low maintenance and that grow well in windy and hot locations. Start with a Kimberly Queen Fern in the middle of the pot to give visual height to your planter. Then add “spiller” plants that will flow over the edges, and “filler” flowers to add interest and colour. Here, we have used Rio Dipladenia and Trixi Mix to get this effect.
FOUR For non-stop blooms, fertilize once a week. Then water a couple of times a week from spring to fall, and enjoy!
• KIMBERLY QUEEN FERN Bold, upright leaves and volume add height and tropical texture to planters.
• RIO DIPLADENIA A non-stop blooming, drought-tolerant flower, perfect for all-season gardens.
• TRIXI MIX Made up of a variety of colour combinations, these long-lasting blooms show beautifully during even the hottest days of summer.
• DIAMOND FROST EUPHORBIA Bursts of airy white flowers soften the appearance of any planting and add filler blooms from spring to first frost.
