Front Door Container

Posted by Susan Mertz Jun 8, 2006

Every year I plant at least one fragrant annual in the container by the front door. Last year I had White Nicotiana. This flowering tobacco plant is fragrant when the sun goes down. This year's selection is Blue Wonder Heliotrope.

The container by the front door is a glazed ceramic pot that sits on an iron stand. Although our wood door is plain, we do have a stained glass storm door. The flower colors of some of the annuals echo the colors of the stained glass.

Not only is Heliotrope fragrant, it has deep blue flowers. The coarse foliage contrasts well with the Kiwi Fern Coleus next to it. The silver foliage of Icicles helichrysum separates the Pink Million Bells from the Babylon Blue Verbena. In the center of it all is a China Doll Canna. It will mature to 3' and has reblooming bright pink flowers. I'm experimenting this year with Mandevilla Vine. It is in the container by the Coleus. I'm hoping it will cascade down over the side of the pot and not swallow up the other annuals.

I would love to hear if you have a container garden and what plants you are trying out this year.

© Susan Mertz, June 2006. All rights reserved.

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