Easy Container Combos: Herbs & Flowers by Pamela Crawford

Easiest Herbs: Just Add Water! If you have never tried growing herbs, start with one of these. If planted correctly, these blue ribbon herbs seldom require anything but water! Be sure to follow these simple guidelines: ✿ Use potting mix (not potting soil, top soil, or garden soil) with a brand name you trust. ✿ Use the fertilizer described on page 28. ✿ Be sure the pot has holes in the bottom (page 18). ✿ Don’t bury the plant too deep (page 11). ✿ Plant in the right amount of light and in the correct season, which varies per plant. Check the individual plant profiles on pages 70 to 106 for specifics. ✿ Water correctly (pages 30 to 33).

Chives Plant Profile: Page 74

Cilantro Plant Profile: Page 76

Dill Plant Profile: Page 78

Fennel Plant Profile: Page 80

Lavender Plant Profile: Page 82

Mint Plant Profile: Page 84

Oregano Plant Profile: Page 86

Parsley Plant Profile: Page 88

Rosemary Plant Profile: Page 90

Sage Plant Profile: Page 92

Thyme Plant Profile: Page 94

EASY CONTAINER COMBOS: HERBS & FLOWERS

These Are Almost as Easy Red ribbon herbs are almost as easy as blue ribbon herbs, but they have a quirk or two. Basil, for example, is relatively easy to grow but acts up occasionally. Some of the leaves get yellow and spotted sometimes. This herb also attracted Japanese beetles in my garden. I will still grow it every year because it is so useful for cooking. Arugula rates a red ribbon because it is hard to get it to look good in a container, but it is easy to grow.

Arugula Plant Profile: Page 70

Basil Plant Profile: Page 72

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spicy Globeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basil, rosemary, and sage. Notice the yellow leaves at the base of the basil plant (left). This small flaw took basil out of the blue ribbon category, but I would use it again because of its overall ease of growth and usefulness in the kitchen. Pots from Ceramo Company (www.ceramousa.com). HERB & FLOWER BASICS

Know Before You Buy.... Look for the Blue Ribbons to Find Easiest Plants. The individual plant profiles that follow in this chapter show blue ribbons for the plants that are the easiest to grow. See page 56 for characteristics of blue ribbon plants. Red ribbon plants are also easy, but not quite as easy as the plants that rate a blue ribbon. See page 57 for characteristics of red ribbon plants.

Is This Plant Easy to Grow in Containers? If you are a beginner or a serial plant killer, you shouldn’t be attempting to grow difficult plants! Even if you are an experienced gardener, some herbs don’t do as well in containers as others do. Just go to the index, look up the plant, and turn to the page number shown in bold print. If the plant has a blue ribbon, it is among the easiest to grow in containers. Some herbs, like rosemary, are incredibly easy to grow and last all season long in most climates. Others, like cilantro, don’t live as long and don’t like heat. You should know this information before your buy the herb, so you won’t be disappointed. It is all included on the pages shown in bold print found in the index.

Left: Boxwood basil is quite simple to grow, easily rating a red ribbon. (It misses a blue ribbon because the leaves get spots and turn yellow sometimes). The capacity of the large, blue pot, measuring a full 15 inches across and 13 inches tall, allows the roots of the plant plenty of room to grow. Plants whose roots are allowed to grow larger are easier to grow than plants grown in really small pots. Pot from Pottery Land (www.potterylandusa.com).

Right: Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme are all easy to grow and useful for cooking. Combo designed and planted by Phyllis Long of Redbud Lane Nursery (www.redbudlanenursery.com) in Holly Springs, Georgia. Container measures 12 inches across and 11 inches tall.

EASY CONTAINER COMBOS: HERBS & FLOWERS

Is the Plant Easy to Grow?

Know Before You Cook Harvesting: When, How, and How Much ✿ When: Most herbs can be trimmed anytime after they have reached a minimum size. To find out how tall each herb needs to be before trimming, see ‘Trimming’ in the right sidebar of the individual herb profiles, pages 71 to 93. ✿ How: Trim the outside leaves of most herbs first or any stalks that are taller than the rest. ✿ How much: Trimming 2/3 of any stalk is acceptable, although some herbs do better if you trim at the soil line. ✿ For more information about harvesting individual herbs, see ‘Harvesting’ in the right sidebar of the individual herb profiles, pages 71 to 93.

What Part of the Herb to Use in Cooking 1

EASY CONTAINER COMBOS: HERBS & FLOWERS

✿ Use the leaves and/or stems of most herbs. For specific information, see ‘What Part to Use’ on the right hand page (under the photo) of the individual herb profiles, pages 71 to 93. ✿ Many herb leaves are easily removed from the stems by holding the stem with one hand and stripping off the leaves with the other as shown left.

Most Herbs are Chopped before Using. ✿ Tiny herb leaves, like thyme, are so small they don’t require chopping prior to using them in cooking. ✿ Herb leaves that are larger, like flat-leaf Italian parsley (shown, right), need chopping before adding them to food unless you are using the leaves whole, as shown on page 73. ✿ Don’t spend hours chopping them into tiny pieces. The size shown in this photo works quite well.

When To Add Herbs to Food ✿ If herbs are added to fresh food, like salad, add them at any time. ✿ For cooked dishes, most herbs are added raw during the last few minutes of cooking. ✿ There are three exceptions to the rule: sage, thyme, and rosemary. Sage tastes best if it is sauteed first. Thyme is added to foods at the beginning of cooking to eliminate the bitter taste. Rosemary sprigs are frequently added to meat at the beginning of cooking and removed from the meat prior to serving - just use them as a garnish on the plate. ✿ Arugula is usually used raw in salads or sauteed and eaten like spinach. HERB & FLOWER BASICS

Parsley CHARACTERISTICS Average Size in a Container: Both curled and flat parsley grow about 12” tall and equally as wide in a medium-sized (10” diameter) container. Grows larger in a larger pot.

Parsley is a great choice for an herb garden because it is used on so many different foods. Since it is so easy to grow, parsley rates a blue ribbon*, although it does attract swallowtail butterfly caterpillars (see ‘Pests and Diseases,’ right sidebar). I feel the benefit of the butterflies outweighs the occasional loss of parsley leaves.

Lifespan: 5-10 months VA R I E T I E S T E S T E D Curled parsley: Curly leaves are more attractive than flat parsley; great garnish. Flat-leaf Italian parsley: Flat leaves are both easier to chop and more flavorful than curly parsley. This plant grows better in really hot weather than the curled parsley.

Curled parsley is prettier than flat-leaf parsley but not as tasty in cooking. Container from Ceramo Company (www.ceramousa.com).

I tested the two most common varieties of parsley: curly and flatleafed Italian. Like the names suggest, one has curly and the other flat leaves (shown left). Flat-leaf parsley looks similar to cilantro, and it has more flavor (and is easier to chop!) than curly parsley. Use parsley both as a garnish and an ingredient in food. Top: Curled parsley Bottom: Flat-leaf Italian parsley

Parsley takes more cold weather than most herbs, living through the winter as far north as zone 7.

*Blue ribbon plants are defined on page 56. For blue ribbon performance, follow the planting and maintenance guidelines on pages 18 to 33.

EASY CONTAINER COMBOS: HERBS & FLOWERS

C O N TA I N E R D E S I G N T I P S

Container Sizes: Like most herbs, parsley grows larger in larger pots. I prefer containers with a minimum diameter of 8” if parsley is planted alone. Decorative Use: Curled parsley looks better than flat-leafed Italian parsley in a mixed container because of its unique texture. I like mixing curled parsley as an accent with flowers or other herbs. It works equally as well as a side plant in either traditional or side-planted containers. Occasionally, I use it as a centerpiece surrounded by flowers.

GROWING CONDITIONS Light: Light shade to full sun Water: High. I watered daily. Don’t let parsley dry out because the edges of the leaves will turn yellow. Hardiness: Parsley is an annual, living for one season in warm to cold temperatures. Parsley is one of the few herbs that takes a freeze, surviving winters as far north as zone 7. Italian flat-leaf Italian parsley is known to take more heat than curly parsley, but I grew both successfully in a long, hot summer. Propagation: Seeds, but it’s easier to buy small plants. Seed germination is quite slow. Pests and Diseases: Parsley is the favorite food of black swallowtail caterpillars, which grow into butterflies. I am so crazy about this butterfly that I grow enough parsley for both of us. Many butterfly lovers plant parsley just to attract these caterpillars. Consider them pets! Parsley also attracts whiteflies, although I didn’t have a problem with them. CARE & HARVESTING Planting Day: Follow planting instructions on pages 18-19. Use the fertilizer shown on page 28.

Curled parsley in a vegetable salad C U L I N A RY U S E S

Type of Food: Parsley goes with almost everything, including meat, eggs, vegetables, rice, salads, butter, and many other foods. It is commonly used in American, Middle Eastern, and European cooking. When to Add to Foods: Add chopped leaves either at the end of cooking or right before serving. Parsley is also used as a garnish placed on the plate just before serving. What Part to Use: Leaves and stems Preserving: Parsley is best used when fresh or frozen. Dried parsley doesn’t keep its flavor well. Fresh parsley keeps for a week in the refrigerator after it has been washed, wrapped in a paper towel, and placed in a plastic bag. To freeze parsley, put the leaves in a plastic bag after washing, chopping, and letting dry.

Trimming: Trim as needed for food preparation. If the plant is overgrown at the end of summer, cut it back hard, and it will grow fresh, new leaves. Harvesting: Snip the stalks from the outside of the plant near the base to encourage new growth. The plant won’t produce as much if you just cut the tops off. Remove the plant when it sends up a flower stalk, which marks the end of its life. The leaves taste bitter when it is this old.

HERB & FLOWER BASICS

Watering Can with Herbs Think outside the box when choosing containers. Who would have predicted that a watering can would look so nice filled with herbs? Be sure to drill a hole in the bottom, however, which means it won’t hold water again! This arrangement looks good not only because of the unique container but also because of the textural differences of the plants.

Cultural Information Light: Light shade to full sun Rosemary Rosemary 11 plant plant from from aa 4” 4” pot pot Plant Profile: Page Plant Profile: Page 90 90

Season: Spring, summer, and fall, as long as the temperatures range from about 50 to 90 degrees. The ‘Pineapple’ sage usually blooms in the cooler temperatures of fall, but the leaves do fine in high heat. Lifespan: Two to three months in this container because it is so small. These plants would have lasted longer in a larger container.

‘Pineapple’ ‘Pineapple’ Sage Sage 22 plants plants from from 4” 4” pots pots Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 92 92

Care: Fertilize on planting day with a slow-release mix described on page 28. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed-out, although the fertilizer should last from six to nine months. Trim any plants as needed to keep the arrangement looking tight. The pineapple sage is the fastest grower, requiring trimming about once a month during high temperatures. For my three minute trimming video, see Fertilization and Trimming at easygardencolor.com.

‘Pesto Perpetuo’ Basil 1 plant from a 4” pot Plant Profile: Page 72

‘Spicy Globe’ Basil 2 plants from 4” pots Plant Profile: Page 72

Planting Plan: Plant the ‘Pesto Perpetuo’ basil in the center, surrounded by two ‘Pineapple’ sages. Tuck the rosemary, ‘Spicy Globe’ basil, and ‘Golden Variegated’ sage in around the edges. Be sure to plant in good-quality potting mix, not garden soil, top soil, or potting soil, which can kill your plants. Other important planting tips are shown on pages 18-19. This combo was planted by Phyllis Long from Redbud Lane Nursery in Holly Springs, Georgia. Container: Simple watering can, 10”W x 8”H

‘Golden Variegated’ Sage 1 plant from a 4” pot Plant Profile: Page 92

EASY CONTAINER COMBOS: HERBS & FLOWERS

Only one week after planting!

Burgundy Coleus

‘Kong Scarlet’ Coleus

Creeping Jenny

(6 plants from 4” pots) Plant profile: Page

(1 plant from a 1-gallon pots Plant profile: Page

(6 plants from 4” pots) Plant profile: Page

Herbs for Pork All five of these herbs are excellent flavorings for pork, which you will certainly remember if you plant them in a pig! I photographed it shortly after planting these herbs, which were placed quite close together. They grew huge, with the dill and basil reaching three feet tall (measuring from the ground). The other, smaller herbs cascaded politely down the sides of the pig as they grew.

Cultural Information Light: Light shade to full sun Sweet Basil Basil 1 plant from from 6” 6” pot pot Plant Profile: Page Page 72 72

Season: Spring through fall for most warmer areas. This plant combination takes temperatures from about 50 degrees to the low 90’s. Lifespan: Three to four months in this container Care: Fertilize on planting day with a slow-release mix described on page 28. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed-out, although the fertilizer should last from six to nine months.

Dill 1 plant from a 6” pot Plant Profile: Page 78

Variegated Oregano 1 plant from a 4” pot Plant Profile: Page 86

German Thyme 1 plant from a 4” pot Plant Profile: Page 94

Trim any plants as needed to keep the arrangement looking tight. For my three minute trimming video, see Fertilization and Trimming at easygardencolor.com. Water: Water thoroughly if the plants show signs of wilt, or the soil feels dry when you push your fingertip into the potting mix (see pages 30-31). I watered this one every day (after it was about a month old) in mid summer and every other day in cooler weather. See pages 32-33 to learn about watering shortcuts. Troubleshooting: The leaves of sweet basil often get brown spots and turn yellow. Usually, the bottom leaves are the worst. I use it frequently anyway! Planting Plan: Simply plant the basil and dill in the middle of the pot, along the back edge. Tuck the other three, small herbs along the front edge. Be sure to plant in good-quality potting mix, not garden soil, top soil, or potting soil, which can kill your plants. Other important planting tips are shown on pages 18-19. Container: From Pottery Express (www.potteryexpress.com). Measures 24”L x 13”W x 15”H.

‘Golden ‘Golden Variegated’ Variegated’ Sage Sage 11 plant plant from from aa 4” 4” pot pot Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 92 92

EASY CONTAINER COMBOS: HERBS & FLOWERS

Photographed at the home of Joan and Buzz Ahrens, Canton, Georgia

Bright Flowers and Sage This is one of my favorite herb/flower combinations because I love color. The bright flowers work really well with the container and outdoor rug in the same tones. ‘Serena’ Angelonia and celosia bloom every day in the spring, summer, and fall, with the black-eyed Susans blooming for at least three months. The ‘Tricolor’ sage joins the flowers in looking great all season long! This combination rates a blue ribbon because of its ease of care.

Cultural Information Light: Full sun

‘Serena’ ‘Serena’ Angelonia Angelonia 11 plant plant from from aa 11 gallon gallon pot pot Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 96 96

Season: Spring through fall for most warmer areas. These plants take temperatures from about 60 degrees to the low 100’s and are equally happy in either extreme. Lifespan: Five to six months in this container Care: Fertilize on planting day with the slow-release mix described on page 28. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed-out, although the fertilizer should last from six to nine months. Trim any plants as needed to keep the arrangement looking tight.

Black-Eyed Black-Eyed Susan Susan 11 plant plant from from aa 6” 6” pot pot Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 97 97

For my three minute trimming video, see Fertilization and Trimming at easygardencolor.com. Water: Water thoroughly if the plants show signs of wilt, or the soil feels dry when you push your fingertip into the potting mix (see pages 30-31). I watered this one every day (after it was about a month old) in mid summer and every other day in cooler weather. See pages 32-33 to learn about watering shortcuts. Troubleshooting: No problems at all

Celosia Celosia 22 plants from plants from 11 gallon gallon pots pots Plant Profile: Plant Profile: Page Page 98 98

‘Tricolor’ Sage 3 plants from 4” pots Plant Profile: Page 92

EASY CONTAINER COMBOS: HERBS & FLOWERS

Planting Plan: Easy. Simply plant the angelonia along the back in the middle of the pot. Plant the black-eyed Susan directly in front of it, and put a red celosia on either side. Tuck the sage plants in along the front edge. Be sure to plant in good-quality potting mix, not garden soil, top soil, or potting soil, which can kill your plants. Other important planting tips are shown on pages 18-19. Container: From Pottery Land (www.potterylandusa.com). Measures 20”W x 16”H. The success of this container grouping is partly due to the size of the container. This large size allows the roots to spread, lengthening the lifespan of the plants. Outdoor Rug: See easygardencolor.com for sources.

Blue ribbon herbs are defined on page 56.

Only one week after planting!

Herbs for Potatoes This grouping illustrates an easy and beautiful way to grow herbs. Start with a set of pots in different sizes. Add one herb to the center of each, and tuck in some flowers for unity. Use the same flowers to give the composition unity. These herbs work well on potatoes as well as many other types of foods.

Cultural Information Light: Light shade to full sun Dill Dill 11 plant plant from from aa 5” 5” pot pot Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 78 78

Season: Spring through fall for most warmer areas. This plant combination takes temperatures from about 70 degrees to the low 90’s and is equally happy in either extreme. The herbs by themselves take cooler temperatures as well, so if you want to grow something like this in cooler temperatures, use another flower. Melampodium likes it hot! Lifespan: Three to four months in the two, smallest containers. Five to six months for the larger two.

Rosemary Rosemary 22 plants plants from from 4” 4” pots pots Plant Profile: Page Plant Profile: Page 90 90

Care: Fertilize on planting day with the slow-release mix described on page 28. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed-out, although the fertilizer should last from six to nine months. Trim any plants as needed to keep the arrangement looking tight. For my three minute trimming video, see Fertilization and Trimming at easygardencolor.com.

Chives Chives 11 plant plant from from aa 4” 4” pot pot Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 74 74

Curly Curly Parsley Parsley 11 plant plant from from aa 4” 4” pot pot Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 88 88

Melampodium 9 plants from a multipack Plant Profile: Page 102

EASY CONTAINER COMBOS: HERBS & FLOWERS

Water: Water thoroughly if the plants show signs of wilt, or the soil feels dry when you push your fingertip into the potting mix (see pages 30-31). I watered this one every day (after it was about a month old) in mid summer and every other day in cooler weather. See pages 32-33 to learn about watering shortcuts. Troubleshooting: No problems at all other than swallowtail caterpillars on the parsley. Since these caterpillars only show up for a short time and produce beautiful butterflies, I let them chomp away! Planting Plan: Easy. Simply plant the herbs in the center, along the back of the pots. Tuck the flowers in front. Be sure to plant in good-quality potting mix, not garden soil, top soil, or potting soil, which can kill your plants. Other important planting tips are shown on pages 18-19. Container: From Ceramo Company (www.ceramousa.com). They measure 15”W x 12”H, 12”W x 11”H, 9”W x 9”H, and 6”W x 6”H.

Blue ribbon herbs are defined on page 56.

Only one week after planting!

Rosemary and Oregano The rosy colors of the flowers are repeated in the the rug and throw pillow, creating a pleasing, coordinated look. The spiky textures of the coleus and the rosemary contrast well with the round shapes of the coleus and the variegated oregano. This arrangement merits a blue ribbon because of its ease of care.

Cultural Information Light: Light shade to full sun

Celosia Celosia 22 plants plants from from 6” 6” pots pots Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 98 98

Season: Spring through fall for most warmer areas. This plant combination takes temperatures from about 70 degrees to the low 90’s. Lifespan: Four to five months in this container Care: Fertilize on planting day with the slow-release mix described on page 28. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed-out, although the fertilizer should last from six to nine months. Trim any plants as needed to keep the arrangement looking tight.

Rosemary Rosemary 22 plants plants from from 6” 6” pots pots Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 90 90

‘Wizard ‘Wizard Rose’ Rose’ Coleus Coleus 66 plants plants from from aa multipack multipack Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 98 98

Planting Plan: Easy. Simply plant the celosia in the middle of the pot, along the back, with the rosemary in front of it. Tuck in the coleus and oregano along the front and side edge. Be sure to plant in good-quality potting mix, not garden soil, top soil, or potting soil, which can kill your plants. Other important planting tips are shown on pages 18-19. Container: From Pottery Land, www.potterylandusa.com. Measures 19”W x 10”H. Outdoor Rug: See easygardencolor.com for sources.

Variegated Variegated Oregano Oregano 22 plants plants from from 6” 6” pots pots Plant Profile: Page Plant Profile: Page 86 86

EASY CONTAINER COMBOS: HERBS & FLOWERS

Blue ribbon herbs are defined on page 56.

Only one week after planting!

All You Can Eat Herbs

20” double basic basket

I found some trays of mixed herbs called ‘All You Can Eat’ in a garden center. I loved them! I just alternated them in the side holes of the basket, planted lavender and salvia in the middle, and tucked a few of the mixed herbs around the edge. The basket is large enough to support the plants for a whole season - a full seven months - with no work other than watering! I planted them in May and took this photo in June. To see how they looked in October, see pages 146 to 147.

Cultural Information Light: Full sun Lavender Lavender

Annual Annual Salvia Salvia

11 plant plant from from aa 6” 6” pot pot Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 82 82

10 10 plants plants from from aa multipack multipack Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 103 103

Season: Spring through fall for most warmer areas. This plant combination takes temperatures from about 60 degrees to the low 90’s and is equally happy in either extreme. Lifespan: Five to six months in this container Care: Fertilize on planting day with a slow-release mix described on page 28. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed-out, although the fertilizer should last from six to nine months.

Mint Mint

‘Tricolor’ ‘Tricolor’ Sage Sage

44 plants plants from from 4” 4” pots pots Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 84 84

55 plants plants from from 4” 4” pots pots Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 92 92

Golden Golden Oregano Oregano

Chamomile Chamomile

55 plants plants from from 4” 4” pots pots Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 86 86

44 plants plants from from 4” 4” pots pots Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 106 106

Catnip Catnip

Purple Purple Sage Sage

44 plants plants from from 4” 4” pots pots Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 106 106

55 plants plants from from 4” 4” pots pots Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 92 92

Trim any plants as needed to keep the arrangement looking tight. For my three minute trimming video, see Fertilization and Trimming at easygardencolor.com. Water: Water thoroughly if the plants show signs of wilt, or the soil feels dry when you push your fingertip into the potting mix (see pages 30-31). I watered this one every day (after it was about a month old) in mid summer and every other day in cooler weather. See pages 32-33 to learn about watering shortcuts. Troubleshooting: No problems at all Planting Plan: It might be hard for you to believe, but planting this container was easy. I simply alternated the seven small herbs around the side holes. Then I, planted the lavender in the center and added some salvia around it. I tucked some more of the small herbs along the edge, and it was done! See the planting instructions for side-planted containers on pages 54-55 to learn the technique. Be sure to plant in good-quality potting mix, not garden soil, top soil, or potting soil, which can kill your plants. Other important planting tips are shown on pages 18-19. Container: Kinsman’s 20” double basic basket, side-planted. The 36” border column is also sold as a kit from www.kinsmangarden.com.

‘Silver ‘Silver Edged’ Edged’ Thyme Thyme 55 plants plants from from 4” 4” pots pots Plant Plant Profile: Profile: Page Page 111 111 20

EASY CONTAINER COMBOS: HERBS & FLOWERS

For three-minute planting and border column installation videos, go to www.sideplanting.com. Buying information for side-planted products is shown on page 3.