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Outdoor Patioscaping

By Kari Maddox, Owner Green Scenes Indoor

Spring is here! So many exciting dry out in one 100 degree afternoon. For fully shaded places, I enjoy using
plants to imagine planting! At Green It’s simply not possible to water eve- house plants of all types, Impatiens
Scenes, it’s been my pleasure to ryday! I love the outdoor decorative and Wax Begonias. I like to fill the
design different outdoor patio scapes containers from Architectural Supple- center of my planters with an ev-
for my clients. ments. Inside this, I use a planter in a ergreen shrub such as Holly Green
grow pot with a sub irrigation system Pencil Shrub for height. Don’t make
The first thing to consider in creat- in the bottom. When the roots of the the mistake of overcrowding your
ing outdoor patio designs is climate. plants grow down into the bottom of planters. Expect each plant to fill in
Here in North Carolina, we are in zone the water reservoir, it’s easy to go 4 to the container and leave room for
7. It’s completely possible to have 5 days between watering, no matter growth. In North Carolina, we have a
colorful, blooming impact with well what the weather is. very long growing season so I like to
planned containers year round here. only have to do a major prune back
We plant fall annuals in October, and It’s always good to add a brick or one time. If hail damage occurs, you
replant with Summer annuals in April. heavy log to the bottom of each may have to prune them, also. I have
We experience high heat and humid- planter. This will help lessen pots be- a long standing order with a local
ity here in the summer. ing blown over during thunderstorms greenhouse grower for my summer
and hurricanes. I’ve also found that a annuals.
This makes knowledge of the best heavy pot is a great theft deterrent!
drought resistant cultivars crucial. Excellent drainage is crucial for suc- Take your time to find only the best
Since it’s spring, I’ll concentrate on cess. Drill drain holes in the bottom plants to have success. Mulching is
summer planters. Outdoor planters of all containers. Stagnant water in also crucial. I’m blessed to have a
are such a delight! It’s an affordable the bottom of a pot in the south is husband who is an arborist, and he
way to make a big impact on your cli- terribly stinky! For Soil, I truly love the saves me his best mulch for my jobs.
ent’s outdoor spaces. Let me walk you Farfard Professional Outdoor Mix for Hot mulch that has recently been cut
through the process. Keep in mind, outdoor containers. It can be en- must be aged first, or you will burn
you need to do what is right in your hanced with some water enhancers if plants. Beautiful pink hued cypress
climate and area. If you’re just start- needed too. Its a simply wondful mulch is my personal favorite. It also
ing out, keep your eyes open! Note potting medium. It has extended has theadded benefit of keeping
plants that look great and find out fertilizer in it, but I love Osmocote some pests away! Every planter will
what they are. Talk to people to ask for a little extra boost. That way, you need special care throughout the
the names of plants that you like. don’t have to mix fertilizer when you growing season. Deadheading annu-
Let’s consider the elements of every water your containers. For plants, I als too will truly extend their bloom
outdoor container: Containers, Soil, have found great success in Angel time. Keeping an eye out for pests
Plants, Mulch and Maintenance. I start Wing Begonias and the Bronze leaf such as aphids is very important.
with sub irrigation systems. Garden- begonias named Vodka, Whiskey Most insects will be removed by a
er’s Supply Company (www.garden- and Gin. They can take full sun to little Safer Insecticide soap sprayed
ers.com) has a wonderful selection. partial shade. They don’t require any regularly. Most importantly, know
Here in NC, a planter can completely deadheading and resist insects, too! what the poisonous spiders and their
webs look like in your region.
Black widows love the dark spaces
Winter in the Carolinas! around and under containers. This
Don’t be afraid to ad- is one circumstance where I do use
dmixed colors for visual true insecticide. Maintenance crews
interest. Save a flat of of most buildings are ready to handle
these problems, so ask for help!
plants in case of deep
freezes or any ice damage.

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