In a recent visit to Chicago, gardening expert Brian Minter discovered innovative approaches to container gardening that challenge traditional methods. Display gardens at the Ball Corporation's headquarters showcased how certain plants can thrive under challenging conditions, offering inspiration for gardeners everywhere.
Unique Plant Combinations
The Chicago display gardens featured a juxtaposition of unique plants used together in combinations rarely seen. Tropical plants blended seamlessly with everyday annuals, creating stunning visual effects. Rex begonias, typically babied to avoid overwatering and mildew, were used as focal points in many containers. Combined with New Guinea impatiens and sun-tolerant SunPatiens, they thrived with no special care, even when watered over their foliage.
Dracaena and Caladiums
Dracaena Massangeana, especially varieties like Limelight with neon lime green foliage and Ruby Red with wine-dark leaves, were widely used as central focal points, replacing traditional canna lilies, phormiums, and fountain grasses. Caladiums, seldom used on the West Coast due to their need for heat, were highlighted for their vivid leaves in a rainbow of colors. They thrive in summer heat when many annuals fade, and tolerate warm shade, making them a refreshing addition to containers.
Mandevillas: Heat Lovers
Mandevillas, now available in upright, trailing, and climbing forms, are top-performing heat lovers. Available in hot reds, vibrant pinks, brilliant yellows, and white, they add star quality to any container. The warmer the days, the better they perform, making them ideal for summer displays.
Minter encourages gardeners to think outside the box and incorporate these resilient, colorful plants into their own containers for a vibrant and low-maintenance garden.
