Top of the Pots

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They did an amazing job of upgrading and replanning my existing pond into a wet land pond. Installing new fi lters, changing the levels, adding large and small stones lighting and some new plants. It looks wonderful and is so relaxing to see and listen to the water movement as it gently runs into the pond from a bowl. The addition of lighting, changes the whole ambience of the pond, its lovely to look at in the evening. I was very pleased I can recommend this company - Irena Dutnall

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Top of the Pots

A solution for brightening up small to medium-sized gardens, with big potted fl owers, shrubs or plants. Step forward the humble pot.

The answer for those looking to create interest, texture and variation to an outside space, is to consider clever use of pots; here’s why:

1. Versatility Using pots as a way to house things you grow in your garden, means you can move them around at will. This may suit you across the changing seasons, or simply satisfying your changing moods as your garden evolves over time.

2. Budget Pots are generally very cheap, and last across the seasons, and while the plastic variety may feel and look cheap, they can be painted assorted colours and hung from walls, stacked along sills, or placed on benches.

Similarly, if the time comes that you want to invest in something a bit showier, simply repot.

3. Colour Work pot colour into an area of your garden, either as a way of blending with a background, or perhaps with the intention of adding standout value that will wow visitors.

4. Multi-use Whether placing inside it a small shrub or a strapping tree, your perfect pot offers a happy home for all manner of living matter. 5. Design Pots come in all shapes and designs; from the basic

terracotta round variety, to elegantly glazed, right through to the steely grey industrial look that suit a rather more contemporary garden.

Other considerations When choosing which type of containers you would like, fi rst consider your space. If you just have a window box or modest balcony, smaller plastic or tin planters work best. If you have an entirely concrete space, choose larger vases made of clay, either plain or painted. These will bring life to the dank corners and transform a brutalist set of stairs into a picturesque path. It can be tempting to assemble an assortment of different pots and containers, but this can start to look messy, so choose a theme and stick to it.

colours and hung from walls, terracotta round variety, to It can be tempting to assemble an assortment of different pots and containers, but this can start to look messy, so choose a theme and stick to it.

Similarly, as far Similarly, as far as fl owers go, you don’t want as fl owers go, you don’t want to throw just any seeds in and hope for the best. Consider which colours work best together and try to pick fl owers of equal heights. Poppies and dahlias complement one another magnifi cently, as do tulips and peonies.

For trees and larger plants, obey all the usual rules in terms of factoring in shade and direct sunlight.

Of course, the good news is if you do position your pot in the wrong place, it’s very easy and quick to move… and the same can’t be said about a tree anchored 3ft in the ground!