Container Garden Design
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Container Garden Design

by Doug
(Somewhere out in Lake Ontario)

Here's a video on container garden design for you.

Please take a few minutes and write your comments and questions below the video using the comment link.

I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of this one.

Comments for
Container Garden Design

Click here to add your own comments

Gracias....
by: Rosa Maria

Tu video fue muy ilustrativo y practico. Me fascino la manera entretenida de disenar una jardin en maceta. Saludos desde Tijuana, B.C. Mexico.

Gracias
Container Garden design
by: Isa from Tennessee

I am starting my first container gardening and watching your video has given me the enthusiasm and motivation I needed to get this off to a good start. You are a great instructor. Had my attention during the entire lesson. I only wish that you would have shown an example or two of a container garden showing your idea, and an idea of the best type of plants to use. Please keep up the great work!
I love your videos
by: Sarosh Sepai

Doug....somethimes the most complicated theories can be presented as effectively with simplicity. You did just that. However I would agree with some other members that at the end if you could take the camera to your garden or simply show 1 or 2 pictures, that would have given this education so much completeness. Thanks anyways.
container heaven
by: Pat

Loved your explanation (and you ablilty to write with both hands ). As I use both baskets and containers as accents in my garden, I can apply your information to both. I use 1/2 barrels quite often, as I have a woodsy part of my garden that often needs colorful accents, so I will try your new suggestion in them Thanks again. Pat
so helpful
by: JHerring

I've just moved from 2 acres to a condo (temporarily, I am glad to say), and container gardening is my sanity for the next year. This is very helpful. Thank you. Is there any way you could add photos of new and finished projects for those of us who have less creative imaginations?
Container Design Video
by: Jan C

Thanks for the new concept. There are many opportunities in a landscape to view a potted plant from many directions, it's nice to provide extra interest from different angles, especially in a small garden. Looking forward to the Container Design eBook.
Containers
by: Anonymous

Thanks Doug! Something different than the standard "spillers" or trailers as I call them flowing down the sides of the pots. Looking forward to hearing your views on sizes, colors, design, shape and position of planters and pots too. How you pick your plants for each style of container.
A new view to inspire us
by: Anonymous

I had learned the first design before and i have normally used this formula. I am really happy you showed us a different variation. I am looking forward to trying it out with an Anna Belle Hydrangea.
Great avenue for learning gardening
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the videos!
I am working in a garden shop, and am just beginning to scratch the surface of learning myself.
A garden loving gal, with no real knowledge in gardening, but a PASSION in learning and experiencing with gardening.
On the 2 styles of container planting . . .
by: Ann

The ideas sound great, but I really do need to see "finished products" of both styles for comparison, I'm a novice gardener and I really need to actually see the two methods to be able to fully appreciate how they differ. Thanks for the video, though!!
Great concept
by: Liz C

Thanks for posting this video. Well presented, clear and concise. Looking forward to the care and maintenance video, my personal downfall
:-{
design ties in with porcelean pot designs
by: mindnova

Excellent concept, use of miniature landscape design allows flexibility and wider variety of plants and themes.
Also appears to work well for containers that are elevated or at eye level.
container video
by: Cathy

This was great ! The best way to learn- short clips that give lots of info, but not so much that it's overwhelming. I can't wait for the next one!
Great lesson
by: Galina

Informative, good start. Will wait for more.
Thank you, Doug, you sound very good.
not a beginner, still great
by: Dan

It takes years of experience to say what you did in such a concise and informative manner. Folks will watch this, make notes ( I did) and then wonder why they never thought of it before.
Excellent communication, Doug. I'm watching your stuff to learn and to improve my presentation skills.
In our nursery it is a challenge to get many customers away from the dracena as thriller concept ( yes, it is surrounded by red geraniums and white alyssum.)
containers
by: Doris

Good job! I didn't realize it took so many plants to get the "full" look. I'm off to the nursery for plants.
I see containers in the yards in magazines . I'd like to do that but need some tips on how to do it so that it looks right.
Enjoyed the video
by: Priscilla

In one of your next lessons give us some ideas for what types of plants to put together. Thanks for the info.
Very good presentation.
by: Jim

We have a good size deck and a backyard that is really wooded and with lots of plants. Think we will try both these designs against that yard and see what happens. Really like the landscape design, though.
Side-note. I was so amazed that Doug used both hands to write on the erase board that I had to rerun it and just pay attention to what he was saying. Of course, some friends say I am a little strange for noticing things like that, anyway.
By the way, find your newsletter very good and with a lot of helpful info, even for us amateur gardeners in the deep South.
Awesome
by: Carmen

Hi Doug,

I enjoyed watching the video, it was great. I have learned a lot. I am going to try the technique with the ‘spillers’ between the ‘fillers’. I liked the pictures with those great 3 containers on top of some pillars, amazing.
Can’t wait for the next lesson.
Thank you.
container video
by: sue

Fabulous video and so clearly presented. I would love to see photos or real containers as well, perhaps with straight on shots and over the top pix as well. I can hardly wait for the next video. Being a new gardener and having a lovely balcony and black containers to fill up, this is going to be great fun.
Thank you from Vancouver.
great seminar
by: Anonymous

Hi Doug, was finally able to watch the video from the link in the newsletter (had no link in the previous email.) I was intrigued with the composition process for the landscaped container. I too would like to see an example of a finished container.
My best containers are the ones that get the leftover plants after all the thought out plantings are done.
Thanks for doing these videos.
container gardening
by: "G"

Always ready for another idea, or point of view. Interesting concept. I have done just that in my raised beds this year as an experament. I thought about it over the winter while planning the beds. The "spiller" plants are always too far in front, so now they are in between...also taking advantage of soaker hose position. Can't wait for mid-summer to see the results.Thanks !
Video was Great
by: PEARLS

Really great Doug. Thanks.
Some pictures of actual containers with the names of the plants would be very helpful also, although i may not be able to grow some of them in my Zone. i could always improvise with something with similar growing habits.Thanks again
Mixed pot..
by: Lorrie

Good video..you're doing great. I have a sort of master piece I created this spring...big pot with Azealeas first, then in the middle a tall columbine, a few pansies around...looks great ! How can I send you a picture ? I'd like your comment on it..and of course I'd just like you to see it ! Keep up the good work Doug !
LEARNED
by: Barbara G

I learned from your comparison. Thanks
about your containers video
by: Heather

I too have tried both methods, and the second method is more visually pleasing. However I don't use hanging baskets, have no place to hang them, and with 2 dogs with the small patio out back?...the idea of having free standing hanging planters could be a disaster!! Plus they aren't big enough (for me).
I have a round container out front, 2 1/2 feet across and about the same in height, with iris in the back, a type of columbine in the front to middle-ish and I think its a delphinium type inbetween it and the iris. Going for different and pleasing textures of foliage as well as colour is another way to have fun with containers, but I like to do my best to mimic the structure of an in-ground garden, except on a miniature scale using containers. Whats really fun is doing a grouping of large containers. You can really have fun with the concept of an "in ground" garden, yet with movable containers.
container video
by: maude

Great video but would like to see a "done" planter. How about a few designs? I'm one of those who love gardening but whose containers are only accidentally beautiful.and mostly a disappointment. I'd love a plant by plant design - you know, place 3 fuschia geraniums in the center with, etc.

Keep up the great work.
examples would be helpful
by: Anonymous

I just viewed the container garden design video, and thought it was informative, but a few photo examples would be helpful.
Container Design
by: Willy

Perfect Doug; I'll show it to my wife. She is the one would does the containers around the house each year.

Bill, Port Hope, Ontario.
containers
by: Anonymous

Wonderful video - super ideas, very clearly put, easy to understand and your voice came through extremely clearly. Thank you.
video - audio
by: Doug

Folks - I try not to comment here too often because I just love reading your comments. The issue of audio/video is beyond my control I'm using the most commonly available standard on the Net (flash). Delivering it through the most commonly used software/delivery system - youtube

So if you can't get it - it's in your own system or the youtube system somewhere and beyond my control. (you might try it when the traffic is lower or clear your cache and try again)

Issues of download speed etc are also beyond my tech control.

Sorry not to be helpful here.
Container gardening
by: Steven Back

Hello Doug,

What a coincidence!!! I was standing in my driveway last night looking at the arborvitaes that I planted in pots against the garage. I knew that the pots needed something more, especially some color.

After viewing your video this morning, I decided to add ivy and gerber daisies to the pots. Thanks to your video on designing container gardening. I now have a splash of color!

Steve,

Frankfort, KY
Container Design
by: Carol

This was so informative and timely as well. It was so well done, thank you. The only suggestion I have for you is to maybe have one done to "show and tell". This recipe and concept is a sure winner.
Excellent and informative - well done!!!
by: Jeanie K.

Although I've been doing something similar, I never thought of "triller, filler, and spiller." Clever ideas in an excellent and informative presentation. My computer loaded immediately and the sound was clear. I agree with the others that I can't wait for the next design class, and photos would ice the cake (or in this case, fill up the pot! Thanks
oops
by: Wendy

Oops, in my comments, I meant to say I like the spillers in the centre, I said fillers by mistake!
container gardening
by: Anonymous

Thanks Doug--you deserve your own TV show! So informative. Please consider future videos about pruning, when and how? What a great website!
Container plants
by: Lisa

Good morning, because we have such a drought here in Georgia, I did the thriller, filler and spiller containers plants last year. I loved them! I didn't have to watch them wilt away due to the watering bans. I kept 8 gallon milk containers filled with water so I could water when needed. They were spectacular! This year, I have also put my tomato plants in containers. So far, so good. Great video, by the way.
Lisa
Georgia
Container planning
by: G Graham

Great topic but no audio.
Thanks!
by: Lily

I just want to thank you for this great website! Also for the great 'lesson' on container gardening. My husband doesn't like 'flower beds' so I'm going the 'container' route, and I love learning new things about container gardening! Thanks again:-)
raised garden
by: Anonymous

I didn't get the video either. Looking forward to it. Am putting in a butterfly nectar and host garden this summer - in raised garden beds. That's a type of container, yes?
Caladium in a container
by: Anonymous

I tried a caladium for the first time this year as the thriller in a container. How warm do the nights have to be before it is "safe" outside? I'm tiring of moving it in at night in NW Wisconsin.
basket containers
by: jacky

most informative - have used both concepts but mostly use the second one - would love more containers but here in Galveston (South Texas) they require much watering but I love them - I am into white purple pink this year, bleu purple white , most attractive
am also concentrating in succulent containers (need less water)
thank you
no link to video
by: Linda

Your video link did not show up. Is there any other way to access this?
I summited my e-mail address and still nothing. Sure hate to miss all thes good videos
Linda in Ohio
breaking the rules with spillers
by: Wendy

Great video. Nice visual. Short, to the point and love your creativity! Keep on producing! I like to be defiant in the garden and break every rule I can get away with! I love it when Im given permission to break the rules too! I like the fillers in the centre......I must say, I do that. but thanks for letting me!
Liked the design
by: Judy

Quite interesting. Good ideas! Would be nice to have a few ideas as to which plants fit into each of your areas. Also, it is difficult for me to figure which plants to put together in regard to their watering needs.
Good Stuff!
by: Liv

Hi Doug,

Bucking tradition/trends! Woot!
I like it and I liked the video! The simplicity of it allowed me to imagine/visualize your ideas with real plants.

As a visual person, I've always designed my containers in ways that I thought looked good and it turns out I was using some of your ideas of varying heights, but never tried putting "spillers" in the middle. I like the look of plants intermingling together (clematis and roses, etc.), but have not yet tired it in containers as I was afraid one plant would take over the other. I hope this and other questions will be answered in the maintenance section!

Wow, I can really wonder off track... ;-)
Back to this video:
One of the really helpful parts of the video was the labeling. Visualizing containers as "landscapes" really sticks with me.

And, to add to the chorus, pictures please! Perhaps a link to a page on your website with samples of containers you created at the nursery? Pretty please with a cherry on top?!

I look forward to the next installment!
Keep 'em coming!

Thanks,
Liv
Great
by: Jean

Thanks Doug,
I agree totally with gardenlily. Looking forward to the next video.
container lesson 1
by: Bonnie

Great quick and dirty overview. A quick photo or weblink to examples of each style (their's vs yours) would be helpful.
I look forward to maintenanc now.
Container designs
by: Dorothy

That was great Doug, but I too would like some ideas of what plants go best with what plants. Also, if you use your fillers instead of a thriller, how tall should they be in comparison to your spiller?

I have high speed dial up but it took me close to 40 minutes to get the whole video. It would only load up a couple of seconds of audio and video then go back to loading for about 10 seconds. Frustrating!!

Can anyone give me any help on this one?

Thanks, Doug - you're doing a great job.

Dorothy
CONTAINER VIDEO
by: Anonymous

I liked this video. I also liked the design idea.
It will be fun to try it! I also think pictures would be a great way to demonstrate that two different techniques.
Great lesson
by: Joan

My containers always looked like they had no plan. No real eye catcher. I'm looking forward to trying this lesson. It was a BIG help. Looking forward to the next lesson. Keep up the good work.
video link
by: Anonymous

Link for video did not appear on my web page.
Short and to the point
by: Anonymous

I only had a few minutes to watch the video and was pleased with how you got to the point, shared a classic model, gave tips on how the pros think about design, and promised more info in the next segment. Way to go! Loved it and look forward to what's ahead. The two perspectives from the top and side were really helpful.
Great Work
by: Susan

Excellent! Great information and very clear presentation.
Ditto to everyone who suggested pictures of the finished product.
And ditto to the comment about your wobbly white board. How can we help you get a better board?
Thanks, Doug. Keep it up.
Great video
by: Elaine

Excellent!!
Most of my baskets were done before I watched the video. I'm looking forward for the next video on maintenance.

Thank you
left-right
by: Ann

Love to see you in person and note that you are ambidexterous with your marking pen!
Container Garden Video
by: Judy

Hi Doug,

The video was a big help to me. I definately learned a lot. Another thing that would help a lot is if you could suggest some plant combinations for the container.

Thanks for all you do to help us. I appreciate it :)

Judy
container design
by: Marilyn

well done. only thing that I would have liked in adition is some pictures of finished product illustrating your lessons.
Container design lesson
by: gardenlily

Thanks, Doug, You have given me a great new way of looking at my containers(May still use a ''thriller'' plant in center but will definitely plant out the middle section as per your lesson).
As some of the others mentioned, perhaps a photo or picture showing an actual finished container(using your method) would really be great. Keep up the great work. Like things short and sweet!
Feedback
by: Ferne, Kamloops B.C.

Hi Doug

I read the comments and then went outside to do some gardening while I waited on my dial-up system to deliver the video.

What hasn't been mentioned. Mmmm? Sound is something that I am a little sensitive too. This has the echoing sound of an empty room...just a wee bit tinny...but then I guess you aren't using a recording studio. Curtains, styrofoam? There was also another, more important sound which I have never head before but was definitely distracting.. Some kind of odd feedback? Hard to describe...Almost like someone was muttering underneath what you were saying. I assume it was at your end, because, like I mentioned, it is something I have never heard before on my computer. A microphone issue or a recording problem?...don't know.

Demonstration: Quite clear. Although I couldn't read the names of the layers you wrote down, it did give me that few seconds needed to absorb what you had just said.

Content: I guess if I am going to second guess this, I would say that you might want to put more emphasis on using a BIG container and LOTS of little plants. I've seen so many people try to plant a 6 inch pot for outdoors. Or put far too few plants to make a decent show by the middle of summer. (Although I liked the way you used your arms to demonstrate the size of the pot. That may stick better than a number for most of us.) I assume potting soil will come up on the next video?

Over all I would say you did a fine job of getting the design ideas across in the smallest space of time. Not nearly as easy a thing to do as you made it look.
From a former basket filler.

Container Design
by: David Carter

Excellent.Easy to follow and enjoyed watching.

Thank you




container gardening
by: Goodie

Enjoyed the video and am looking forward to the maintenance one. I usually plant very boring one plant containers because there is always one plant that overtakes the rest. Your 'new way' appeals to me and I'm looking forward to trying it. I also would like to get a list of possible combinations and definitely a photo of a planted pot. Thanks!
Now what?
by: Anonymous

Hey Doug...excellent video. I kept wanting to peer over your shoulder to see what was in the pic on the wall.

The video's great, but for us slow learners, can you recommend a step by step book with lots of photos to help me (us?) understand better. Maybe you could announce it in the video or something?

Thanks.

Leaned alot thanks
by: Brenda

I have always wondered how those big baskets looked so beautiful now i know thanks for the lesson I learned alot.
Looking forward to the next lesson.
Love the video
by: Charlie

Than you so much, I do many hanging pots and about 40 containers every year and I have jus learned something to help mine look more beautiful
Great start
by: Grammadirt

Looking forward to the next step. The concept is very appealing and look forward to seeing the results. I too would enjoy a list of suggested plant types that look great together. Tough due to zones, but a listing of their relative size would be helpful in choosing the right ones for the zone we're in. One for sun, one for shade would also be helpful. Your presentation is straight forward and easily understood. Keep up the great work.
container gardening
by: laurie dailey

I really enjoyed your video, I found it very informative. It taught me a few things I did not know. thanks, looking foward to more.---- laurie
Container Design
by: Marie

Terrific! One seminar -- One topic!

I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Some constructive criticiism
by: nit-picker

You need to get yourself a larger and more stable whiteboard---the "wobbling " is distracting. I would also like to see actual examples of planted pots that illustrate what you're talking about.

Where's the picture of the finished planter?
by: Nannagrandma

Good video but not enough. I also like to see the real thing. A few examples or list of possible plants or ...pictures would be the "icing on the cake".
Next video perhaps as a followup?
Thanks, Doug
Love the concept
by: Shirley

Thanks Doug!!! You have put into words what I have been striving for. Since my planter is seen from one side I never could see the sense of making it concentric. This year I put a hibiscus at the centre back, added a jasmine for fragrance then several middle and lower story "stuff" including a dipladenia near the hibiscus (similar colour) to climb the hibiscus and to supplement the blooms. My only mistake was that I don't have enough plants and it looks a little sparce right now. Off to the nursery for more!!!

will you be giving us examples of your concept? Examples are good!
Good Tips
by: Helen

Very good concept for fullness of a container planting. I also am a visual person & would like to see an example of the container planting after it is completed. Will be looking forward to more info.
New way for me.
by: Carol

Thanks Doug,
You've given me a new way of looking at planting containers. I have always been the thriller filler spiller type. I will have to rethink that, and try it your way.
Cheers,
Carol

Thinking...
by: Anonymous

It is nice to have some of the traditional thinking about containers questioned and in the long run broadened. While I have been doing some of the landscaping style, I never thought about planting the "fillers" in the middle...great concept. Thanks!
I'm Visual too.
by: Pat

I, too, am a visual person and would like to see the actual container in it's finished state (with real plants).
Fast and dirty
by: Mary

Thanks for the fast and dirty lesson on container design. Love the landscape idea. Always want to do something a little different. The only thing I would ask is that when you do your videos, you tell us ahead of time how long they are. It is helpful to know if I have time to look at it before I run out or should I wait or what? The time at the bottom of the video only tells me how much time has past. Small thing but would help. I loved it, Doug.
Container gardening
by: Sandy

Thanks Doug. Your upper, middle, lower way of planting a container is totally different from the usual way and it seems it would give a fuller-looking container.
Container Garden
by: Lorie

Very interesting. I would have liked to see an example of your explaination. I am a visual learner.

I will be watching for more videos.

Thanks
Container
by: Anonymous

Terrific

I have often wondered how those big baskets looked so full.

A design technique I will use next year.

Looking forward to the next lesson.
great
by: Diane

Doug, that was wonderful. I really like your landscape approach. Can't wait to rearrange my pots!
Good start but not enough info.
by: Anonymous

I think it was prettygood but like mentioned before only for a beginer. More experinced gardeners want to know things like how you heat upor cool down a spot on your patio and other more advanced design ideas.
In the next video I'm hoping you'll give more info.

I still stand by what I said origannly that doing a basic video and then having a webinar to answer people's questiones will work the best. Even if people can't make it to the webinar they still get the basics butif the video doesn't cover everything you could still drop in for the webinar to get your questiones answered.
VERY INTERESTING
by: Julie

Hi Doug
That was very good and interesting. It is sort of what I do now my condo buildings in their lobbies. I like to use lots of colour in the foliage also but maintenance is a pest.
Containers
by: laine

Thanks good info.
It was ok
by: Ruthnonymous

It was ok, good for beginners.
Container Gardening
by: Anna

VERY VERY informative. I love the idea of the "blousy" look, much fuller !

Thanks much,
Anna
Container Garden Design
by: Jenny

Enjoyed the lesson, Doug. It was short, to the point, and left me wanting more! Can't wait for the next one. :-)

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