more about container gardening

While I love my house, my sloping backyard does prove a challenge when it comes to the usual backyard staples (fire pit, deck, patio, etc). We do have an amazing screened in porch-thank God due to my propensity to attract mosquitoes, but I do want something else. Something that would allow me to sit and enjoy the creek and birds more at ground level. I think the answer is a boardwalk or low deck just below the screened porch. In an attempt to recycle, I am going to use 5 pallets as the base and will attach decking material for additional support. I am going to use grasses, boxwoods, camellias and other shrubs in terracotta pots to decorate and fill the visual gap between the boardwalk and the screened porch. Flowering annuals don't have to be the only container option. Slow growing shrubs and dwarf trees make great container plants-just choose a pot that is 2-4" larger than the root ball to ensure you won't need to re-pot after the first growing season. Clay pots can dry out a bit quicker than plastic or other mediums so be sure to water regularly and often during the hot summer. Pictures to follow.