I typically don't do fancy garden containers. Mine usually have just one plant such as a giant Hosta or a small tree like this little Ginkgo. They're subtle markers rather than exclamation points in my garden.
But I am always inspired to rethink that personal pattern every time I visit Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The staff there are masters of container composition. Even focusing on one form of a plant they create displays that always stop me in my tracks. This one is a fascinating lesson in color, texture and size relationships.
I am not a big fan of air plants — Tillandsia — but this display showcases them better than I've ever seen.
Plants that too often look lost and alone are used to dramatic effect here.
I think my problem is that I want to have containers that look like this. But in our zone you really need a greenhouse to nurture these plants and get them to a size that makes a statement.
Though this container is filled with yellow and black plants and touches of orange, I find it a subtle and very sophisticated grouping.
As a fan of both silver foliage and Euphorbia 'Ascot Rainbow', this container is a win-win for me.
The repetition of 'Ascot Rainbow' in the ground below is a clever touch. I have been growing this Zone 6 plant for a few years; mine gets smaller each year. I can only dream of having one that looks like this make it through the winter in my garden.
I'm looking forward to seeing what the Olbrich staff does in their containers this year.
All the Olbrich containers are fantastic. I was surprised to see so many of them looked like something that could be seen in a Southern California garden, especially those shown in the first group. That mix also made me think of Loree's dangergarden during the warmer months.
Posted by: Kris P | Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 02:43 PM
Very nice! I agree about the artfulness and creativity of the Olbrich pots and displays. :)
Posted by: Beth@PlantPostings | Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 07:14 PM
BETH — Maybe the real reason I hardly ever do containers is that I am too intimidated by Olbrich's to give it a try!
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Friday, February 25, 2022 at 09:35 AM
KRIS — I think I like those Olbrich containers because they remind me of all the things you and Loree can do that I can't. Olbrich gets to play with all the things they can grow in their greenhouses which can be frustrating to those of us who don't have a setup for climate-controlled growing conditions indoors.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Friday, February 25, 2022 at 09:36 AM
Oh these are all very inspiring! (and I am flattered that you and Kris would reference my attempts)
As for 'Ascot Rainbow'—I am convinced this is a weak plant best treated as an annual or biennial.
Posted by: danger garden | Friday, February 25, 2022 at 10:17 AM