Hanging Baskets, Window Boxes, and Other Container Gardens: A Guide to Creative Small-Scale Gardening by David Joyce
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked up this book because now that we live in a townhouse, we don’t have a lot of space where we can put in our own gardens. We had a hanging basket and a box on the front porch railing last year, but I wanted to add to those this year, and start to build a container garden that would brighten up the landscape around our house a bit. The landscaping is nice, but it’s typical shrubs and the like, so kind of boring. I wanted to look into some different ideas than just what you see already done up at garden centers, especially since we are starting to collect some containers.
This book was a good place to start. It is divided into sections, for hanging baskets, window and other boxes, and free-standing containers. Joyce talks about plants that work well in containers, and what containers are best for the different plants. He discusses the basic care of containers, including soil mixes, watering and drainage, fertilizing, and basic care. There are lots of pictures of container gardens in many settings, from large, formal gardens to city sidewalks and balconies to more modest home gardens. There are also a number of step-by-step projects for making container gardens, some typical boxes and baskets, and some more whimsical like the flower basket planted in an old, painted colander. At the end of the book is a glossary of plants that can be used in containers that gives each one’s individual characteristics and needs, as well as some suggestions for companions.
It’s not a long, thick book, but it is easy to read and understand, the pictures and projects are inspiring, and the glossary is quite helpful. If you are interested in designing a full container garden or just want to try something different in your window box this year, this book can provide some really nice ideas.
=============================================
Available now:
After five years away, Kaili is coming home for the ceremony to install her sister as head of the family business. When an old rivalry threatens the family, Kaili and her partner need to use all their skills to save the sisters’ lives. Learn more here
A collection of six short fantasy stories set in varied worlds of magic and mayhem. Learn more here.
A short novelette set in a dystopian Earth after the final environmental collapse. Sam is a genetically engineered chameleon who may hold the key to mankind’s survival. Learn more here.
In a world reeling under the effects of severe climate change, food shortages are common, and arable farmland is scarce. Unscupulous distributors like Beni Oligowma take advantage of the shortages for their own gain. When a promising new technology for growing food even under the harsh conditions is unveiled, grocery store owner Frank is determined to see that everyone is able to benefit from the results, not just the Benis of the world.
Feed My People is a short story, set in a dystopian science fiction world, and is free. Learn more here
Demon hunters Johnny and Cerise travel to the small town of Carroll Fork where they find a demon-possessed thrift store, a sweet old lady who is more than she seems, and an army of underworld inhabitants. Can Johnny and his trusty yo-yo save the town from a devil of a problem?
Five and Daemon, the Yo-Yo Files #1, is a short novelette in an urban fantasy setting, with elements of the supernatural and humor. Learn more here
Things have been quiet. No demonic possessions, no otherworldly intrusions, nothing. And then Lucifer shows up in Johnny’s living room, claiming that two archangels are missing, and something is definitely not right in the heavenly- and other- realms. Saying he has nothing to do with it- this time- he asks Johnny and Cerise to help him find out what’s happening, and who is behind the disappearances. While they are trying to do just that, Lucifer is devilnapped by a larger-than-life serpent. He manages to get a clue to Johnny before he disappears. Johnny and Cerise are left to puzzle out the disappearances and try to find the missing angels. Oh, and stop what could mean the ultimate destruction of pretty much everything.
Snake’s Alive, the Yo-Yo Files #2 is an urban fantasy novelette with elements of the supernatural and humor. Learn more here.
And So On... 
One thought on “Friday Review: Hanging Baskets, Window Boxes, and Other Container Gardens by David Joyce”
Comments are closed.