Gardening in Containers

Over the years, the basal male leaves of this stag horn fern (Platecerium sp.) have grown and covered the wire basket in which it was planted.

Did you know that, worldwide, gardening is the most popular leisure time activity, and that the most popular form of Gardening is container gardening?  This is certainly true for Trinidad and Tobago, where local horticultural groups report that more and more people are turning to gardening for recreation.

Today I start a series of articles on container gardening with some general information, and in subsequent columns I will discuss the care of various types of plants used in pot culture.

This tray of beautiful Golden Barrel cacti (melocactus grusonii), thrives under clear, plastic cover protected from rain.

An ancient art

Container gardening is an ancient art, almost as old as gardening itself.  Today, the practice is universal.  The presence of potted plants in just about every home and garden attests to the widespread popularity of container gardening in a country rich in exotic species, and with the perfect climate to encourage this wonderful pastime.

Plants were first grown in containers in order to produce food, but gradually, a sense of aesthetics took over, and the ornamental value of container gardening gained prominence, achieving perhaps its greatest heights in the exquisite art of bonsai.

A stately Monstera deliciosa brings greenery and elegance to any home.

Why Garden in Containers?

The obvious reason is space.  With container gardening, you can create gardening space where little or none existed before.  Whether you desire a fragrant herb garden, a display of colourful flowers in a window box, or a graceful green tree on a deck or balcony, the possibilities are endless.  Any corner of the home or garden can be transformed almost instantly.

It is also easier to create ideal growing conditions in containers than in the open garden. For example, some plants such as cacti, other succulents, and many orchids, may not survive the heavy rainfall and strong sunlight of our tropical climate, but can be grown successfully in containers under protective cover.

The ease by which plants in containers can be moved around also facilitates landscape design.  They can be used to form a display, or to create focal points in the garden: and, indoors, no home decor is complete without a splash of greenery around the house.

Any receptacle will do.  This Asparagus retrofractus, growing in this stone antique water filter for over 25 years, is a special  item of interest in the owner’s garden.

Plant Material and Containers

The range of available plant material is formidable; nurseries and plant shops abound through out the country.  Similarly, a wide variety of containers also exist to complement any décor, from the traditional clay pots and wire baskets to wooden, concrete, ceramic, plastic and fiberglass creations in every imaginable shape, size and colour.   Any receptacle can be used, as long as there is proper drainage.

Planters and window boxes have grown in popularity in recent years; they allow for landscaping in miniature and enhance the exterior of houses with sun-loving plants, bringing colour, beauty and fragrance to the home.

A collection of coniferous plants  makes an interesting  display in the landscape.

If you have any gardening news or tips you would like to share, or if you are having a problem in your garden, e-mail me at thehappygardner@tstt.net.tt

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