Maid To Garden

In The Garden Of Good Living - April 2010 - Springtime Planter Rescue & Renovation
by Pat Hendrickson

Well, I did it. . . . . I left all my indoor plants outside this Fall. I didn't bring them in before the first snowfall. They sat like lumps on my porches and benches, dotted the back yard like lumps of sugar.

By the time the snow started to melt, I was on to other projects like getting my in-laws beach house ready to rent for the summer; helping to plan a website for my husband's business; learning to be a new grandmamma; thinking about landscaping our meeting house; fleetingly considering the gym.

I've heard from knowledgeable friends that my Hibiscus plants may just survive the winter. Of course, that was in consideration of past winters - fairly mild weather, and as long as the plants are lined up along the south side of the house.

But I think I've goofed. I didn't move them to the south side of the house. I left them guarding the canal like some sort of naval support. Some pots have cracked; my favorite (and most expensive) has shattered. It seems as though I've completely abandoned my need to have color in the house during the winter for things that are completely unrelated.

The first day of spring was March 20, and many of us are dreaming of the colors that will soon decorate our yards. Along with the clean-up after the snow, we need to think about the pots our annuals and perennials will occupy. I'm sure that I am a minority in leaving my pots out to die. I applaud those of you who conscientiously empty your pots annually and tuck them away into safe places to await warmer weather.

There are so many different types of planters: wood, concrete, stone, terracotta, fiberglass, resin, self-watering. There are also planters you can buy that will withstand below freezing temperatures. We don't often experience such severe weather, but it's nice to have containers that won't crack or break, no matter what!

Take a look at these websites for a more in-depth look at what is available:
http://backyardsandgardens.com/garden-pots-enhance-garden-decor/
http://www.all-about-planters.com/

I'm hoping that this coming fall will bring a new sense of organization for me so that I will have the motivation to move my pots to a safer spot. Maybe if I spend more time this spring creating new life in those pots, it will give me the new energy I crave to see my project through.

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