FEATURE
Patio gardens Always the perfect size
BY REBECCA CUTHBERT A repurposed colander makes a great planter. Photos by Rebecca Cuthbert
A
s spring looms large in Western New York (WNY), experienced and novice green thumbs alike are getting the itch to start gardening. However, many have downsized from larger homes to smaller ones, or live in apartments or condos for safety and convenience. Are they destined to go without gardens? Not at all! Patio gardening isn’t just a trend, budget. A patio garden can include one planter or many, and containers it’s a great way to fit your garden to your available space, lifestyle, and can be customized according to
Hanging planters of beans and naturtium
each gardener’s growing desires. Thinking of trying a container garden this spring? Ask yourself the
COME HOME TO
Shaarey Zedek Apartments A quiet senior community nestled in the heart of Amherst.
1 & 2 BEDROOM STYLES 834.3711
410 Hartford Road | Amherst, NY 14226 (off Millersport - 1 Block, North of Sheridan)
12
www.foreveryoungwny.com | May 2022
following questions. How many hours of sun does my patio get each day? Is it gentler morning sun, or strong afternoon sun? This is a critical consideration because all plants thrive in different conditions. Hours of strong afternoon sun are great for tomatoes, peppers, strawflowers, and portulaca, but will fry more delicate plants like begonias and some herbs. If you have all-day shade, you need plants that won’t mind the lack of light, such as ferns, coleus, impatiens, and torenia. When shopping at your local greenhouse, read plant tags or ask
