Today, many gardens have been reduced to paved courtyards and balconies.
This is the result of lifestyle changes, where a trip to the gym or a jog provides weekly exercise.
One of my sons has opted for apartment living rather than having his spare time dictated to by regular pruning and watering. But, like many gardeners who swap gardens for views, he quickly resorted to large pots and trees on his balconies, without a great deal of success. Elevation makes it difficult to grow tall plants which will get wind burnt, hence Simon has resorted to low maintenance succulents and rocks, but this doesn’t satisfy a real gardener for long.
What then are the alternatives? Consider the site’s structure. Is it sunny or shady? Is it elevated and prone to prevailing winds? Great effect can be achieved by the grouping of pots, large, small, high and low – let’s consider creating an orchard in pots. Fruit and vegetables don’t just look amazing in pots, they thrive. The most popular choice for edible crops is citrus – the introduction of dwarf varieties is ideal for smaller gardens. Regular watering is essential but, remember, never to fertilise with citrus food when growing in pots.
One of the hardiest fruit trees for small gardens is the olive, which I find excellent for pots. They have the advantage of being wind tolerant and quick growth. Plant brightly coloured annuals such as blue lobelias around the base to highlight the grey leaves of the olive.
Using your valuable space for fruit, herbs and vegetables that look attractive will be more rewarding than a non-productive green plant that still needs care.
THIS WEEK:
* Fertilise citrus…in pots, use a slow release fertiliser, ground grown plants will require poultry manure, followed by citrus food. Don’t forget to water before and after application.
* If roses had a summer prune, feed them with Sudden Impact.
* Prepare beds with poultry manure for planting of winter vegetables and autumn/spring flowers such as pansies
* Gardens need to be limed ready to plant sweet peas on St. Patrick’s Day
