Absolutely Beautiful Containers: The ABCs of Creative Container Gardens

by Sue Amatangelo

With a patio, porch, or windowsill, gardeners can grow almost anything anywhere using containers. Arrangements in this guide begin simply, with one type of plant in a decorative container. The projects move on to combinations of two plants, then on to more complex pots involving three or more plants—some of the arrangements are even meant to go from container to garden plot. Design principles including color, texture, height, and depth are considered, and ideas for themed containers are included for holidays and other festive occasions. Species range from the tried-and-true garden varieties, such as impatiens and petunias, to newer plants on the market, such as a striking red ornamental millet. The planter plans include detailed photographs, diagrams, and instructions on getting the very best results from container gardening, for lasting natural beauty in any space.

Genres: Gardening

256 pages, Hardcover

First published May 28, 2007

Reviews

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful, great mixed container ideas

[Paige]

Has some beautiful and inspiring combinations, but the low quality pictures — many are blurry or poorly lit — greatly detract.

[Leeann Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my go to book each spring when planning my container garden. Love the pictures, diagrams and necessary planting info. The only drawback is the use of impatiens in many arrangements since there are currently issues with downy mildew.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a three based on its photos, but only a two for content. While it helped me formulate some good ideas for my containers, I did not like many of the combinations. But my largest criticism is that this book, which claims to be "The ABCs of Creative Container Gardens", does not give any information on the watering requirements of the plants in each container. I have the same complaint about many garden centers whose personnel say that "all annuals require the same amount of water" and that is simply not true! Gardeners should consider their ability to water when deciding what combinations to use in containers. While container gardening is very popular right now, the advantage of planting directly in the ground is that you don't need to water as often. I was also surprised not to see one combination that included lantana, a flower which works great in containers, handling hot sun and doesn't need watering every day. a previous reviewer also made a very valid criticism that this book also gives the impression that all these combinations will work in any climate and that is clearly incorrect as well.

[Wendy Osborn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't really like many of the plant combinations they put together. Colors didn't coordinate well. Some even looked tacky. Would've liked to see which plants were more appropriate for each US climatic zone (Utah is a tricky zone).