WITH ADVICE FROM award-winning garden designer Alan Rudden there’s no need for your garden to go to pot. Here, the designer of The Pot Gallery Garden shares his sage advice for successful container gardening – whether you have a balcony, courtyard, patio or window sill. 

Garden designer and horticulturalist Alan Rudden. Fennell Photography Fennell Photography

“In many urban environments, space within terraces or balconies is often at a premium and does not allow for planting directly into the ground,” says horticulturalist and gardener designer Alan Rudden. “However, that doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on your garden – there is plenty of opportunity to create thriving outdoor areas through clever container gardening.” 

Alan’s top tips for a thriving pot garden:

Alan Rudden's proposed pot garden at this year's Bord Bia Bloom. Alan Rudden. Alan Rudden.

Pot selection:

When choosing the pot size, you need to consider the plants first and do your research on their potential growth size. I prefer to choose a larger pot as they allow for good root development, big pots hold moisture much longer than smaller pots, and they make a real statement in the garden. They also allow you to grow larger shrubs or trees in locations such as courtyards or roof gardens where planting directly into the ground is not an option. Before planting a large specimen like a tree on a balcony or raised deck, make sure the space can take the weight. 

Drainage:

Good drainage is a must for all pots. It will prevent the soil or compost from becoming oversaturated which results in plant loss. It also lowers the risk of frost expansion during winter months, thereby reducing the chances of the pot cracking. A good tip is to elevate your pot with a stand or supports so that the pot is not flush to the ground – this allows for air movement, helps with drainage and prevents staining on your patio tiles.

Shutterstock / JAZ STUDIO Shutterstock / JAZ STUDIO / JAZ STUDIO

Soil mix and preparation:

Choose a sieved, handmade compost or a multi-purpose compost from your local garden centre as these are generally lightweight, nutrient-rich and hold moisture very well. Don’t over-compact the compost as it will reduce airflow. Avoid packing the bottom half of larger pots with space saving materials such as foam as this will result in the pot drying out very quickly.

Aftercare:

Nutrients don’t last long after planting, even with a premium compost mix, as they are absorbed by the plants and get washed out by frequent watering. During the growing months it is essential to apply a slow-release fertiliser or a water-soluble fertiliser at regular intervals. If possible, set up a drip irrigation system as this is the best way to ensure pots remain continuously moist. Adding a mulch to the surface of the pot will help retain moisture and clustering pots together can protect from drying winds.

Location:

Finally, remember your orientation when it comes to arranging your pots, and place your plants in the best location for them to thrive. If in doubt, the team in your local garden centre will be able to advise on the right options for your space.

Alan’s tips for perfect planting for small, medium and large pots:

Shutterstock / DimaBerlin Shutterstock / DimaBerlin / DimaBerlin

Large pots:

Osmanthus burkwoodii: A brilliant shrub or small tree for pots. It is very resilient and provides year-round interest.

Olive: A super tree for pots in a sunny, protected, courtyard locations.

Acer palmatum osakazuki: An elegant tree for semi-shaded areas. Don’t let the roots dry out as the leaf will scorch. 

Shutterstock / Harbucks Shutterstock / Harbucks / Harbucks

Medium pots: 

Pittosporum midget: An evergreen shrub which does exceptionally well in pots and can survive long periods of neglect.

Taxus baccata ball: An elegant evergreen shrub for a contemporary, structured look.

Pinus mugo:  A great small evergreen conifer for interest and structure. 

Shutterstock / LightField Studios Shutterstock / LightField Studios / LightField Studios

Small pots: 

Agapanthus: These perennial plants grow best in pots. Find a sunny spot for them and enjoy. I put mine in the glasshouse over winter.

Prostrate rosemary: I use these in pots all the time. Its weeping growth is stunning as it trails down the front of a large pot.

Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ : A dramatic perennial for a shady corner which comes back stronger every year. Having this in a pot also helps to control snails.

Alan Rudden will be appearing at Bord Bia Bloom this week in the Phoenix Park Dublin. Fennell Photo Fennell Photo

 Alan Rudden is a horticulturist and garden designer. He runs Alan Rudden Studio an award-winning design practice based in Dublin. Alan has designed numerous show gardens at Bord Bia Bloom, winning a total of eight gold medals. He is currently in the process of launching a new business, Alan Rudden Collection, which will supply handcrafted pots to the design industry and members of the public. These will be on display in his Pot Gallery Garden at Bord Bia Bloom which opens this Thursday and runs from May 29th to June 2nd in the Phoenix Park, Dublin.

Alan Rudden:

Instagram: @alanruddendesign 
Website: alanrudden.ie

Bord Bia Bloom:

Instagram: @BordBiaBloom 
Website: bordbiabloom.com