When searching for potted flower arrangement ideas and living flower arrangements, its important to understand the true meaning! Flower arrangements are combinations of flowers and foliage arranged in a manner that pleases the senses. With the introduction of many new varieties of summer flowering plants, patio pots and hanging baskets are more popular than ever. When potted together in large containers, the colorful combinations can be enjoyed all summer long with a minimum amount of care. These are truly living flower arrangements.
Small containers of old standards such as impatiens and begonias are still available, but they are rapidly losing the popularity race against the superior new varieties, planted in larger pots. Prior to the new introductions, gardeners were limited to old stand-bys such as geraniums, vinca, and seed grown bedding plants. A few years ago plant breeders began introducing new vegetative varieties that are produced from cuttings instead of seed. Firms like Yoder Brothers, and Ecke released whole collections of plants, such as The Flower Fields. The wide variety of colors, shapes, and textures available in these collections took hold, and they are now widely available. Serious plant lovers have learned that the extra soil in the larger containers holds much more water than 8†or 10†pots. More water available to the plants means less care is required, and the plants last longer. A large pot purchased in May or June will now thrive all summer long, and still be flowering beautifully in September. Choosing a quality supplier ensures that the plants have been properly grown and cared for before you bought them, and are off to a healthy start. Plants that have been neglected at the store may be damaged to the point that they will never reach their potential, and often only last a week or two after they are brought home.
The larger containers allow many of the top performing varieties to be planted together in the English Garden style. Color combinations can be shades of peach, yellow, and orange; or purple, pink, lavender, and red. . The varieties are extremely versatile, and perform well in conditions that range from light shade to full sun.. Extremely windy locations should be avoided, but the plants will recover well from the occasional strong thunderstorm. Only basic care is required to keep your pots colorful. Water daily, feed with common water soluble fertilizer according to the directions, and remove any straggly shoots or dead flowers. By choosing quality plants from a reputable supplier, and giving them basic, simple care, you will be rewarded with beautiful living flower arrangements for your home that last all summer long.
