June 2010: Shopping List for Gardeners

Author: Nancy Erdmann

Issue: June, 2010, Page 96

POT FILLERS
Now you can lighten the load of overly heavy plant containers with Packing Pearls—large polystyrene balls that can be placed at the bottom of containers as filler. Unlike ordinary packing peanuts, which can become compressed and prevent drainage, this product is said to retain its shape for years. Packing Pearls are nontoxic and safe for all types of plants. Find them at packingpearls.com.

FRUIT FEEDER
Heritage Farms’ Eco-Friendly Deluxe Fruit Feeder is designed to hold slices of apples, oranges and other fruit to attract finches and orioles. The feeder is made from recycled polyethylene that will not warp, split, crack or fade. Nails hold the fruit in place, and a roof overhang shelters feeding birds. Find it at meijer.com.

SEED ART
Glass spheres filled with responsibly harvested goat’s beard seed heads make up these unique Seed Orbs by naturalist artist Richard Solomon. Sixty to 80 seeds in each orb gently open over time. The decorative pieces come in sets of two and four and can be purchased at elegantroots.com.

SHOWSTOPPER
The sturdy and stackable Sereno barrel-back chair from Kettler exemplifies summer fun with its playful floral design and bright color. The ergonomically contoured steel chair comes in green, white, black, red, yellow and blue, and won Best of Show last year at the International Casual Furniture Market. For ordering information, e-mail patio@kettlerusa.com.

EASY-CARE PLANTS
In Succulent Container Gardens: Design Eye-Catching Displays With 350 Easy-Care Plants (Timber Press Inc.), Debra Lee Baldwin offers insights into designing and maintaining the proper environment for these water-wise beauties.

Succulents are forgiving plants, she notes. If you forget to water them, they will adapt. With more than 300 photographs, the book is chock-full of creative combinations and innovative ideas, including a succulent-clad wreath and a living wall of plants.

The book contains A-to-Z descriptions of Baldwin’s favorite succulents and companion plants, ranging from agaves to yuccas. The author also gives advice on choosing the proper container, sun exposure, soil and fertilizer, grooming, watering and the best defenses for pests and diseases. —Taylor Rose