A large display of containers is common in gardens but, for me, big pots come with big problems. I find them difficult to maintain and move, and because I don't really garden over winter, pots often sit looking sad in the cold months. Weeds then establish, which I find difficult to remove with weak hands. I also find that traditional container plant combinations often look good for a couple of weeks but then one of the plants usually takes over, meaning further tricky maintenance is required.
My answer is to use individual plants in individual pots, then group the pots together on tables of various heights around the garden, creating easy-to-manage displays that still have impact - often at eye-level when seated.
I then change the plants with the seasons, along with their locations in my garden. It works for me and it could definitely work for you.
Sue's pick of tabletop plants
Compact growth habits, lower maintenance needs, long seasons of interest and a dash of drought tolerance are major planting themes for Sue's tabletop displays. Here are some of her top plant choices for best results every time.
Lagurus ovatus
Plants at table height not only enable me to look at and smell them, they also allow me to reach and touch them easily. Lagurus ovatus, also known as hare's tail grass, is easy to grow from seed, is fairly drought tolerant and thrives in pots. Its soft, slightly curled leaves bring forth small, furry, tactile 'hare's tail' flowerheads. Height x Spread 45cm x 30cm
Auriculas
Primula auricula are prize plants for April, doing well in small pots that keep their roots restricted. They need free-draining compost and do not like to be overwatered or to have their roots sit in water. I used 'Purple Pip' this year with Nemesia Melody Raspberry. H x S 20cm x 15cm
Edelweiss
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2023-Ausgabe von BBC Gardeners World.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2023-Ausgabe von BBC Gardeners World.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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A new plot for tasty crops
Taking on a new allotment needn't be hard work. By simply following a few easy tips you can have bumper crops in no time, just like Alessandro Vitale
We love July
July is an island floating between the joy of June and the slightly fatigued month of August. It's a grown-up month: the year has shrugged off its adolescent exuberances, the weather is (hopefully) warm enough for ice cream to be one of your five a day, the sea should be swimmable without (too much) danger of hypothermia and thoughts will be of holiday shenanigans and family barbecues. School's out this month, the next tranche of glorious summer colour is washing across our borders and it's my birthday. Lots of reasons to give three rousing cheers for July!
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Now, at the height of summer, Frances Tophill shows how to boost your plants' health and productivity with a timely cut
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Flowers are out in abundance this month and for Jack Wallington, many of these blooms make delicious, low-effort pickings
Bite-sized bounties
Glorious doorstep harvests can easily turn into gluts, so let Rukmini Iyer's recipes help you savour every last bit
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Create unique and stylish garden features for minimal cost using reclaimed materials and simple DIY skills. Helen Riches shares four step-by-step projects and more inspiring eco tips
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Buildings and landscapes can play a vital role in supercharging your space, as Nick Bailey demonstrates
Greening up a city balcony
Looking for sustainable, small-space gardening ideas? Take inspiration from Oliver Hymans' transformed balcony garden in north-east London - now a lush, green haven for humans and wildlife
The dry and mighty garden
As we adapt our gardens to a more volatile climate, Alan Titchmarsh reveals how to create a drought-tolerant plot and picks his top plant performers
Nature knows best
Carol Klein explains how to choose plants for specific growing conditions, based on what has naturally adapted to thrive there