Choosing The Right Plant Container To Fit A Specific Theme
by John Yazo
Choosing a plant container that fits your needs can be a challenging experience at times. There are two things to keep in mind when choosing a container, they need to fit the look you are trying to achieve and be practical at the same time. These containers or planting pots can be ones that you purchase at the local garden center, online, or ones that you personally create from unique items you have on hand, and convert them into a container for planting.
There are many unique items that have been converted into planting containers, your choice all depends on the theme you are trying to design. Items that are commonly used, other than containers purchased from a garden center can be anything from old watering cans, wheelbarrows, old tubs, pails, half barrels or even a pair of old boots, or shoes. Your imagination is the limit when it comes to designing a container garden with your own personal touch, and these type of gardens can have many unique characteristics that no other garden has.
Some of the commonly used container, or growing pots that can be purchase are constructed from a variety of different materials, and vary in price. Fitting your budget can also be a determining factor in your plant container choice.
Terracotta pots are made of a particular type of clay that is baked to a soft warm red color, always look good and age well. They can also protect a plants root system from excessive heat in the hot summer months. However, due to them being porous, they tend to absorb the moisture from the planting media more quickly and your plants will need to be watered more often. Terracotta pots are also prone to damage in cold climate areas when the moisture absorbed into the pot freezes, cracking or flaking the clay.
Clay pots will give you the look of a terracotta pot, but usually with less of a cost. Shopping for clay pots can get confusing. They are referred to as terracotta, stoneware, earthenware, or ceramic, and there are distinct differences between each type. Clay is a raw material derived from decomposed rock. In the natural state, it is soft when wet, and crusty or brittle when dry. When clay is baked in an oven at a high temperature it becomes hard and strong, after this process is when the differences between the various types of clay pots become apparent.
Natural stone planters are another type of planter choosing if cost isn't a factor, they can get very expensive. A less expensive alternative to a natural stone look are reconstituted, or cast stone containers.
Plastic containers come in a large variety of styles and sizes, and the ones of higher quality are hard to distinguish from a more expensive terracotta planter. They hold moisture better that a terracotta pot, but don't have the ability to protect a plants root system from excessive heat.
Fiberglass planters are another option, and are also available in a large variety of styles and sizes. There designs are replicates of many different types of materials, like metal, stone, terracotta, and wood. They are also reasonably priced, durable, and easy to move.
Wood planters are another yo may consider. They can be stained, or painted to complement or contrast with their surroundings. The different wood types that planter are made of will reflect their pricing. Hardwoods will cost more that one made of a soft wood, but also the hardwood planters will have a longer life span.
Metal containers are another type of planter that can add a unique look to your garden or landscape. They also come in a large variety of shapes and sizes, along with a range of prices. depending on what the theme of your garden is, metal containers can be anything from a bucket to ones made from materials like wrought iron, and copper.
Your imagination is the limit when designing a container garden. Experiment with different sizes, shape, and styles is the best way to create a design that will fit your needs.
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