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I have a small dull patio and I am starting a patio garden any suggestions and tips would be great. I have started with some of the following. See picture...African Daisies, Sutera Cordata (Bocupa) and Ivy. I also have a planter with Sprengeri, Lambs Ear and some French Marigolds.
Couldn't agree with flowerjen more. They need constant water, every day. Even in my zone 5 forgetting to water more than a single day usually resulted in total death.
Something to automatically water or be able to store large amounts of water, anything to help with water is a good thing. Make sure you use potting mix, NOT potting soil as mix wicks water to the roots, soil does not.
I always use MG potting mix (the plain one, not the one with moisture crystals) I used to use the regular one but now that they have an organic one I've switched to that and I've never had a problem with either one. For fertilizer I usually use Ironite, but I'm very lazy about fertilizer so you'll probably get better recommendations from people who actually bother to fertilize their plants as often as you're supposed to! And as far as soil vs mix, I don't think anyone sells "potting soil" anymore, it's all potting mix. There are bagged garden soils you can buy so don't get those, but anything that's labeled for use in containers should be soil-less.
For "something completely different" you might combine SHRUBS and SMALL TREES in containers. Use them to create sculpture-like effects. Very unique looks with relatively inexpensive, commonly available plants. Just one or two of these might be just the thing to completely change the look of your patio.
Your should invest in a watering system also. Self water containers are good, but, hard to find. There are automatic drip systems that you can do yourself that will cost about $150 for a modest size patio container collection. You connect them to a hose bibb or add them to an existing underground system. Best of luck.
Wood fern, I like trees and shrubs in containers too>
I like to tuck a few of those polymer crystals that retain water in my containers. I pre soak them so they plump up and then fill the container about 1/3 to 1/2 way full, then I add in the crystals, not too many or they can make the soil too moist, and a sprinkle of slow release Osmocote fertilizer. I give it a little stir then continue...more soil if needed, plants then top off with soil and water in.
I used to put the crystals in dry but I find that when I pre soak them I can see how much I really am using. They hold quite a bit of water and until they're fully saturated you really don't know how much is going in the pot.
Have you considered lreally arge containers? Lot of folks don't think of it, but SHRUBS and even SMALL TREES look good in containers. You might be interested in a 6-page article in current Garden Ideas magazine (spring 08). Shows how to use shrubs and small trees in containers with annuals and perennials. Includes evergreen varieties, how to select contrasting shapes and colors, etc. Very unique looks with relatively inexpensive, commonly available plants.
