Succulent Strawberry Jar with Pot Feet
Photo © Kerry Michaels
I am a huge fan of pot feet. First of all, pot feet can protect your deck or floor from the rot and stains which can happen when a garden pot sits directly on a flat surface. Pot feet also can actually save your plants from drowning because sometimes, with a heavy rain when your pot is sitting on a non-porous surface, the water backs up and just can't drain properly. By elevating your pot, even slightly, the water can drain and air can circulate underneath the pot, which also is an advantage.
Two of my favorite pot feet are Pot Pads and Potrisers. Both of these pot feet go completely underneath your container gardens and can be used indoors and out. Either would make great stocking stuffers for your favorite container gardener.
Mini Azalea in Bucket
Photo © Kerry Michaels
You probably won't be surprised when I tell you that I like giving container gardens as gifts. They can be very inexpensive, quick to put together and easy to maintain. Check around for small plants that would fit in coffee mug, or get some paperwhite narcissus bulbs and put them in a vase. And here's a tip - don't assume that big box stores have the best prices on plants. I recently found that my local nursery had poinsettias and tiny azaleas that were less expensive and better looking than those at any of the chain stores.
I've put together a gallery with some ideas of holiday container gardens that would make great gifts.
Wordless Wednesday Container Garden Pictures
Heuchera, Euphorbia and Calibrachoa
Photo © Kerry Michaels
Kissing Ball
Photo © David Beaulieu
About.com's Guide to Landscaping, David Beaulieu, has done a beautiful step-by-step on making a kissing ball.
They're easy to do and all you need are a few tools and supplies.
