Containing my Enthusiasm.

Spring flowers can make even a dumpster beautiful.  At 323, the daffodils have emerged and the massive magnolia tree in the front yard seems to be only moments from blooming.  I eagerly await what other "surprises" this unexplored yard will yield (provided, of course, these surprises are limited to perennials and buried treasure, not drainage issues.)

I universally love gardens, as I don't think it is possible to create one that isn't inherently beautiful.  I  have long admired those tidy little geometric gardens made up of perfectly manicured boxwoods, and am charmed by overflowing English gardens that seem to exist without any plan at all.  


Enter reality and a lack of both a green thumb and sprawling estate.  Throw in an active four-year old, his tribe of equally active cohorts, and the concept of a formal garden landscape becomes downright silly.  What I really need is a backyard that can endure an impromptu game of catch or a stampede of toddlers.  On the back burner my tulip-tiptoeing goes, in favor of...the container garden.


The good news is a container garden is not only practical, it is portable.   And as these images illustrate, the options reach well beyond the confines of the standard terracotta pot.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens


A sweet little wagon turned salad cart, which can be moved from
sun to shade and then right up to your kitchen door.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

An elevated window box provides clearance for those 48" and under.

 Photo Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens


Pretty pots perched on a fence and [hopefully] out of harm's way.

Photo Courtesy of www.marthastewart.com

An invisible trellis and vining flower take the garden to a new level.

So for now,  I am inclined to "contain" my gardening ideals in favor of a well-used backyard.  Maybe by the time a meandering garden is practical, my thumb will have changed color.

Welcome, Spring.  I've missed you.