Simple Convertible Container Gardens

Brighten up your front porch or back deck with this versatile idea, which works for 10, 12, 14 inch or larger containers. Try it in virtually any shape (though round is shown here).

What You Need:

• 12 inch container
• 6-8 small neutral plants (examples: Boston fern, dusty miller)
• 1 colorful 4 inch or 6 inch pot plant
• Potting soil

To begin, simply plant a ring of small plants (six pack or 4 inch size, for example) around the perimeter of the container. For a 12 inch container, use approximately six to eight plants, depending on size and spacing. Plant them fairly close together to get the “ring” effect shown in the photos, but do not put them right on top of each other—give them a bit of room to grow.

For the most versatility, choose a “neutral” plant such as Boston fern or dusty miller. Look for foliage color, shape and texture that visually coordinate with many flower colors and types.

Then, dig a circular hole in the center of the planter. The space should be large enough for at least a 4 inch or 6 inch round pot. (Extremely large containers such as 16 inch may require larger center plants, such as 8 inch. Gardeners should experiment to see what works best for their containers and plants.)

Carefully water the newly planted container garden, packing the soil around the inside edges a bit to form the circle for the round pot.

Next, choose the center showpiece plant and drop it into the center space, pot and all. This helps facilitate good drainage and makes it easy to change out plants for each season.

For fall, perhaps choose a vibrant cushion or daisy mum. Or for a funkier effect, try ornamental pepper with its colorful red, yellow or purple fruits. During the holidays, gardeners can try traditional poinsettias or go with amaryllis, cyclamen or other pot plants for seasonal flair. (In colder climates, you’ll want to bring plants inside to prevent frost damage.)

Spring opens up a wealth of possibilities, from bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths to traditional Easter lilies. And it’s anyone’s game for summer, when annuals, perennials, bulbs and more offer practically endless choices. Upright, bold bloomers will make the most impact, but gardeners should go with what appeals to their taste.

Water when soil dries out (usually every other day). Be careful not to overwater—don’t leave water pooled on the soil. Fertilize approximately four times a year (easy to remember if you’re changing center plants seasonally).

The beauty of the convertible container is its versatility. If properly cared for, it can provide beautiful, year-round color and pizzazz both indoors and outdoors.

Daisy mum complemented with ornamental kale

Poinsettia surrounded by Boston fern

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