You’re probably familiar with interior design and decorating, but did you know that you can also give your deck a makeover with “exterior” design? Container gardening is so easy. It brings the garden to you and works in whatever space you have available. You can grow anything and everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and herbs, and there’s no better time to start planning your own “on deck” garden than now!

Map It Out

Deck space is finite, and you’ll want to use that space in the most effective way possible. Planning is key – step back and take a look at your deck and landscape features. Grab a pencil and paper and start mapping out different designs to get your creative ideas flowing. Potted plants for the deck, flower boxes on the railing, and hanging plants for posts and walls are just a few of the ways you can bring the garden onto the deck.

Is there adequate sun for the plants you’ve chosen, or do you need more suitable options? What about shade?  Would your design benefit from a roof cover, pergola or retractable awning? Where do those hanging planters go? Perhaps you’d like a deck extension for additional growing space. For peas, beans and other vines, you’ll need a trellis or arbor. For those with low-level decks, raised garden beds on the adjacent ground are great for easy reach and create a sense of an extended deck garden.

Know thy deck! Don’t wait until it’s warm to get going – now’s the time to plan. If you don’t like your first design, that’s what erasers are for! You might also consider consulting with your local garden center for their expertise.

Container-Friendly Plants

Here are a few suggestions for plants that do well in containers: berries, specially-bred container tomato verities, celery, fig hybrids, Japanese maple trees and many kinds of flowers – everything from roses and geraniums to daisies, and even ornamental sweet potatoes, which are widely used for a lush, trailing vine. Herbs like lavender, basil, rosemary or tarragon are great choices since they tend to take up little space and, connect your garden, kitchen and cuisine. Of course, this is just a partial list and it’s always worth doing a little research to see if your favorite fruit or vegetable can be made container-friendly with some adaptations. For even more ideas look to the plants that you see in the decorative containers along main streets and malls!

Pottery

Decorative garden pottery comes in different shapes, sizes, materials, glazes and colors, some manufactured, some handmade by artisans, and imported pots from Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico and other countries. Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace all carry pottery. If you’re looking for a larger selection and higher quality, something truly unique, the specialty shops are where it’s at. Good places to start are Paulino Gardens at 6300 N. Broadway, 303-429-8062, or Birdsall at 2870 S. Broadway in Englewood, 303-722-2535, both of which have large ceramic selections. For that southwestern feel, there’s Old Santa Fe Pottery at 2485 S. Santa Fe Drive. If you prefer the convenience of the internet, check out Bauer Pottery.