Pots in the Garden: Expert Design and Planting Techniques

by Ray Rogers, Richard Hartlage (Photographer)

No longer a technique just for apartment dwellers or novice gardeners, the use of ornamental containers on decks, patios, terraces, and in the garden itself can save time, space, and money, while offering experienced home gardeners unique creative challenges, site flexibility, and experimental fun.

Author and award-winning horticulturist Ray Rogers takes you on an engaging exploration into basic design principles as well as how to create focal points, use water, exploit the potential of empty containers, and more. Stunning photographs by Richard Hartlage provide guidance and inspiration, as well as visually explaining each principle. Gardeners at every level of experience will find inspiration and instruction in this comprehensive book.

Genres: Gardening

247 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2007

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is simple, the content is anything but. The author provides plenty of eye candy and lots of creative ideas, but this book is a pretty serous treatment of the subject. For example, he covers extensively and in depth almost every principle of garden design that can be applied to container plantings and their groupings/ arrangement in the landscape. Because he writes in an almost academic voice, I found I preferred cherry-picking among those sections; I found his creative take on “line” most inspiring. He also treats planting media and nutrition in a really responsible way. Definitely a book I want to keep on the shelf for long term reference!

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was helpful, especially the portions related to line, texture, and focal points. I also found some interesting plants that I didn't know about, and may use in my own garden. All that said, if you are looking for a book that excites your gardening imagination, I'd recommend The Flower Yard: Growing Flamboyant Flowers in Containers.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this book out as a joke and I was very happy I did! So much wonderful and useful information! Spring time will be different at my house!

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have limited space or just want some new ideas on container gardening you'll appreciate this book. Clear, colorful pictures along with plant names including the Latin (yeah!) should give you plenty of inspiration. Mr. Rogers includes basic design elements: color, space and texture. In addition, the importance of creating a focal point and bringing it all together as well as the pros and cons of using pots are examined.

Whether it is annuals or perennials, succulants or tropicals, bulbs or climbers, there is something for everyone. Who would have thought burro's tail sedum could look so nice? What about giving thanks for baskets with liners or old wheelbarrows with holes? You'll learn to look at things in a different light. Enjoy complimenting colors especially various shades of greens, something I would have ignored ten years ago. For me, learning about texture was a big plus that I have often underestimated.

At over 200 pages the only thing not included is incorporating fruits and vegetables but there are other great books with those themes. Written for all gardeners no matter where you live, you should be able to adapt many of Mr. Roger's ideas. Look closely for interesting containers using silver spheres, concrete blocks and bamboo canes. Just make sure that you have a good source of pots of many shapes and sizes before you read this book: you'll want to start immediately.

[LInda L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs of flowers in pots. Many flowers are obscure, many pots look as if they cost the earth. However, all are lovely and it was a pleasure to leaf through it. If you're into container gardening, you'll like this. If not, not.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive treatment of the subject.

Lots of good color photographs.

Plentiful good advice on the elements of design.

I read the library copy, but worth buying.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures with ideas.

[Dewi · Rating 3 out of 5]

menarik untuk inspirasi kombinasi bentuk tanaman dan pot :)