Containers at Olbrich

On my recent visit to Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, I took tons of photos including many of their container plantings. Even though I don't really do containers myself, I am always fascinated by them. I noticed that Olbrich puts many of their container displays next to seating areas. It makes sense since they are best enjoyed close up.

These next containers were all quite similar as they were arranged around one seating area.

I liked the fact that not all the containers in the gardens were about flowers . . .

and that some groupings might fool you into thinking they were planted in the ground unless you looked closely for signs of containers. I also thought this was a great lesson in the energizing effect of adding just one different plant to a group.

And if you would like to create similar containers, all the information is available at Olbrich to help you do so.

Comments

[Peter/Outlaw]

I'm mostly a one plant per pot kind of person but admire how folks combine plants in pots like these. It's a good way to have a mini garden just about anywhere. These are really nice!

[Linda Brazill]

I am also a one plant per pot person but I just made a note for next spring to try Jp. painted ferns with the big Hostas I put in pots. Now I just have to remember to do it!

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Some inspiration for next summer.

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

Oh, they always have wonderful containers. Thanks for the nudge to get over there. Early autumn is one of my favorite times to visit Olbrich!

[Nell]

What a great place. Inspiration, education, delight.

[Kris P]

They're all nicely done vignettes. I've somehow accumulated a lot of containers but I usually plant them for long-runs rather than as seasonal displays.

[Frank]

You may have just saved the life of a begonia I was going to abandon to the frosts. I think I see the same one in one of your photos, and it makes me want to try (assuming I can overwinter) and give mine a second chance next year!
I was just sitting down to put together a summary of the year in annuals here, but these combinations really put mine to shame!

[Linda Brazill]

My thoughts exactly.

[Linda Brazill]

I think in places like these which have distinct seasons and temperature changes, a place like a public garden really makes an effort to change out at least some of the containers as the season advances. Of course, having staff and greenhouses helps!

[Linda Brazill]

I think your garden always looks good and you experiment a lot. It's easy to look good if you are a public garden and have staff. That's why all of us home gardeners are always complaining — because we keep comparing ourselves and our gardens to the pros.