The days are getting longer and warmer, more and more hours can be spent in the garden.So it is also time to refresh the look of the terrace.As soon as the late frosts are no longer in danger, we can start planting plants in pots, bowls, containers and balcony boxes, and then move them to the open air.
Now we have to settle the issue of the arrangement of the terrace. The latest trend in garden compositions gives priority to naturalness. Therefore, in the multicolored procession of plants, exposed places are occupied by summer flowers reminiscent of wild species, herbs, bedding perennials, grasses and even vegetables. It is precisely these plants that give garden arrangements an informal and slightly sloppy look.Classic summer flowers such as petunias, surfinas, calibrachoa, daisies and lobelia still retain their main roles.
They have the priceless gift of many weeks of uninterrupted flowering from May to autumn and in joyfully cheerful colors. Annuals with small flowers, such as angelonia, nemesis, diaskia, sanvitalia and scewola, are more and more popular.They add lightness to mixed compositions, and besides, they are easy to care for, because we do not have to clean the shoots of withering and drying flowers.
In natural arrangements we will meet surprise plants. They are not only decorative, but also functional. Red leaf lettuce looks beautiful among summer flowers.Modest herbs in pots fill the air with tempting scents.During flowering, thyme, lavender and chives are a source of precious nectar for bees and bumblebees.
If we want to decorate the terrace with flowering shrubs, such as rose, hydrangea or mussel (budleja), look for varieties that are short and flower the longest.Shrubs that have a root system much more developed than annuals and perennials , containers with a correspondingly larger capacity must be provided.Many summer flowers feel best in flowerbeds.
Fresh soil for annuals
Annual ornamental plants will bloom for many weeks if planted in good quality soilThe plants take up water and necessary nutrients from the ground, which determine their growth and vitality.Best there is fresh soil for flowers with the addition of de-acidified peat. Last year's soil is composted or scattered on flower beds.
During the season they can reach impressive sizes. However, also among them we can find varieties with a compact habit and not very long shoots.An example is the spiny kleome 'Seniorita Rosalita' 60 cm high or the rudbeckia 'Coco' with shoots only 25 cm long.This season we can go crazy with colors. The white color always delights with its noble elegance.Orange and yellow shades decorate the arrangement with fresh, fruity tones.
Pastel colors are popular now. We can confidently combine pink with delicate blue and lilac shades.A strong, effective impression is ensured by arrangements enriched with a shade of Marsala.From the world of fashion, deep and warm burgundy-red tones adorn some varieties of summer flowers.
Ideas for arranging balcony planters
We can recreate colorful compositions on the terrace each season.There are no limits to the choice of flower colors or container forms.You just need to rely on your own idea and creativity.
Arrangement of clematis in a wooden pot
In a large wooden container there is enough space for four plants.
1. The natural composition will help to create: clematis, e.g. Clematis viticella 'Black Prince', Stipa, strawberry and Idaho Phlox idahonis. The creeper will be supported by five long (approx. 1.8 m) poles, e.g. hazel poles. Place the empty container in the chosen place.On its bottom we put a layer of expanded claydite.Fill the pot with soil 2/3 of its height.
2. Place the clematis in the center, the smaller plants around it closer to the edge. Cover the voids between the root balls with soil, tamp it lightly, leaving a space for water along the walls while watering.
3. Press the four rods into the ground in the corners of the container, the fifth right next to the clematis.We tie them tightly with a string at a height of about 1.5 m.
4. Water the freshly planted plants abundantly. Cut off unnecessary, too long ends of the support bars with a secateurs.
Planting suggestions in warm colors
1. The 'Illumination Flame' foxglove, which from mid-June develops pink-orange bells gathered in dense, tall inflorescences.
2. The 'Red Hot Popsicle' tritome with dense, ear-shaped apricot inflorescences is a real rarity.
3. Nemesis 'Little Orange' has dense branching shoots perfectly covering the gaps in the balcony boxes.
4. The sorrel 'Burgundy Wine' colors the shaded areas with purple leaves.
5. Sage 'GoGo Scarlet' flaunts flowers in a trendy shade of Marsala.
6. Verbena 'Fire Star' has red and peach flowers in small inflorescences.
7. Petunia 'Indian Summer' develops flowers that change color from yellow to pink.
8. Diaskia 'Orange' has flowers in a beautiful shade of apricot orange.
