By Ann Davenport

Container gardens are all the rage these days.  You can’t walk into a garden center without seeing the endless selection of pots and of course, plants with which to fill them.   Containers make great additions to the landscape.   A well placed display can bring an entirely new dimension to a space.  Here are some things to think about when selecting and placing containers in the landscape.

• Welcoming Entryways

Containers placed at the entry of a home bring focus to the front door, creating a warm and welcoming entrance.  Planting combinations can be anything from simple to elaborate.  The possibilities are endless!  Because of the high visibility of a front door, it’s an excellent opportunity to select and change out plant material according to the season.

• Define a Space

Woolly Pockets Vertical Planting System

Use containers to create separate “rooms” in an outdoor space.  For example, containers can be placed as a perimeter around a seating area, creating a defined space separate from other parts of the garden.  A cluster of containers can turn an area into a lush, intimate, oasis.  In small spaces where “real estate” in the yard is at a premium, think about going up.   Green walls are another great way to define a space, create a focal point, and try something new and different.

• Soften a Hardscape

Placing containers along a section of wall or fence helps break up a long horizontal line, providing a focal point for the eye.  Think about using clusters of pots of varying heights to provide visual interest.

• Conversation Starters

"Head" Over Heals for these Containers!

Think outside the box when it comes to containers.  There are endless opportunities.  Look for something whimsical and fun.  Bright colors, interesting shapes, and things you wouldn’t likely think of as a plant container.    Almost anything can be used to hold plants.  Get creative!  Just remember that your plants will need adequate drainage to be happy so if you choose a “non-traditional” container you may need to drill a few holes in the bottom to allow water to escape.

• Kitchen Gardens

Color for the Garden and the Plate

Love to use fresh herbs in your cooking?  How about growing a few of your own veggies?  Containers provide a good opportunity for those with limited space.  Combine several herbs in a pot.  Maybe choose a theme and select ediblies that fit that theme:  “Italian Extravaganza”, “Salad Garden”, “Tea Time”…..  There are many possibilities to add color to your garden and your plate by growing your own herbs and vegetables.

With these ideas in your head, you are well on your way to transforming your containers from “just another pretty face” to hard workers in the garden.  Happy planting!

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BeeSmart is available for both IPhone and Android systems

There’s an app for everything these days so why not create one that will help you choose pollinator friendly plants for your garden???  The folks at the Pollinator Partnership have done just that and created the BeeSmart Pollinator Gardener App.  The app features almost 1,000 plants native to the United States.  It allows you to filter by your region, type of pollinator you want to attract, soil and sun requirements, flower color, and plant type.    You can create your own plant lists with notes on specific plants.  The app provides great pictures for plants in the database with the capability to add your own plants to your customized lists.  No more wandering around the garden center wondering what will attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden!  Pollinators are what keep our gardens growing so don’t forget them when you plant!!!

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It’s been a long time coming but the USDA Hardiness Zone map has been updated, it was last updated in 1990, and it looks like there are some changes for many parts of Minnesota.  Much of the state now falls into the category of Zone 4b (lowest temps of -25) and many borderline Zone 3 areas, such as the St. Cloud area, are now firmly in Zone 4a.  And now for the news we’ve all be waiting for***drum roll please***Zone 5 has even managed to sneak into Minnesota!  Parts of Jackson and Martin Counties are now officially Zone 5 as well as parts of the southern metro including South Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Richfield.

The fact that the new map is showing the US a half zone warmer definitely brings up questions of climate change.  At this point, the USDA is taking a cautious approach, noting that current mapping technology may be better than in the past and that climate change shows itself over longer stretches of time.  So we may have to wait until the next Hardiness Zone map update to be able to draw any real conclusions.  But in the mean time, take a few minutes to check out the new map.  There are some great interactive features that allow you to find your own hardiness zone based on your zip code.  And who knows, maybe you’ll be able to comfortably go out and purchase that cool Zone 5 plant you’ve had your eye on for years…..

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New in 2012, Field Outdoor Spaces will be partnering with Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water.  Blue Thumb is a collaborative program originally developed by the Rice Creek Watershed District, bringing together a group of professionals from local governmental agencies (watershed and conservation districts, cities, counties); non-profit and community organizations; and nursery and landscape professionals, all with the goal of working towards clean water through landscaping and planting.  The Blue Thumb program promotes the use native plant gardening, raingardens, and shoreline stabilization to reduce runoff from home and commercial landscapes in an effort improve water quality.  Blue Thumb received national recognition in 2010 when they were featured as the first stop on the National Geographic Blue Legacy Tour.  We at Field are excited to partner with Blue Thumb and to join in the initiative to improve our water quality through landscaping.

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Tree Trust: Transforming Lives & Landscapes

Begin a landscape design with Field after October 1, 2011 and we will contribute 100% of the design fee to Tree Trust.

The first design meeting must take place after Oct. 1st, 2011.   Field determines the design fee in the initial meeting.  Design fees range from $300–$1,000 depending on the scope of the project.  Designs include: Initial consultation; First design meeting with completed design and pictures to illustrate design concepts; Final design with updates based on feedback from the first design.

Youth Conservation Corp

Field supports Tree Trust’s Youth Conservation Corps – a program providing first-job experiences to local youth through major landscaping projects around the Twin Cities. Call 612.789.9381 or email us at fieldoutdoor@gmail.com to schedule a consultation.

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Modern adirondack chair from Loll Designs

Vast Paver and installation grid

Do you ever wonder what happens to all those recycled plastic Evian and Coke bottles? How about using them to create products for your backyard? Each year there are more and more offerings for recycled products and many are even made locally. One product on our radar is the Vast Paver. This paver is made from 95% recycled products and the company is based in Minnesota.Another cool product is the furniture from Loll Designs: “Outdoor Furniture for the Modern Lollygagger.” Based in Duluth, Loll’s chairs, loungers, rockers and tables are all made from recycled plastic and manufactured here in Minnesota!

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