Photograph © Kerry Michaels

Well, I've had my first container gardening fail of the season. I planted Stargazer and Casa Blanca lilies in an Earthbox and some critter dug them all up! My husband is convinced it is the army of chipmunks that have colonized under our deck (sometimes I think I hear them partying a la Alvin). I think it is the raccoon who thumbs his nose at our dog and made an appetizer of the just sprouting bulbs on his way to our grill which he has the holy grail.

Fortunately, I have some more bulbs so will plant them and put some plastic fencing over them until they are big enough to at least be dinner for the critter.

Picture of the Week

Leptospermum 'Patricia Ann' Ball Horticultural Company

Photograph © Kerry Michaels

Diamond Trellis from H. Potter

When you are planning your gardens, for drama and for increased gardening acreage, don't forget to think up. A beautiful trellis in a container garden can be gorgeous. It can add interest on it's own, or be used as a backdrop for vines or tall plants. It can be useful as a screen for an unsightly feature. I regularly grow vines on a trellis in front of the hideous electric meter, which is right by the door and drives me insane.

I also spray paint bamboo in cool colors to make tipi trellises.

I love these trellises from H. Potter. Imagine how cool they would look if you put them in three large containers grouped together.

Here are some more vertical gardening ideas.

And a book review, Garden Up! Smart Vertical Gardening for Small and Large Spaces

Great flowering vines for container gardens.

Photo © Kerry Michaels

I'm a little obsessed with planting tiny containers. There's just something really cool about them. Fairy gardening and true miniature gardening is very hot right now, and I don't know if planting tiny stuff really counts as miniature gardening, but regardless, I put up a picture gallery of some of the small containers I've done over the years.

Enjoy!

Mini Garden Ideas and Pictures