Solutions for problem areas

Somtimes there are spots or places where it would seem it is impossible to have any sort of garden or planting.  The underside of this balcony is a case in point.  It is completely shaded and also completely dry.





The area is to the front of the house so it needs to be smart, semi-formal and to look good against the granite backdrop.





We looked at a lot of different options for this extremely challenging, sloped and heavily shaded site. What we settled on were these oversized, hi-gloss, ceramic glazed pots. We felt they balanced aestethic and practical considerations.

To compliment the stark structural element we used these gorgeous dwarf pines. The dark glossy black pots and shiny green spikes of the pines contrast nicely with sleekness of the granite.


 Adaped to mountain conditions these pines will tolerate wind, drought and a bit of neglect.  Their mounding habit will form a dome on top of the pot and their shape will become more Bonsai in style. While the planters need to be watered, they are relatively low maintenance.





Dwarf pines like these certainly look smart when planted into oversized egg shaped planters.  In groups or as single statement pieces, these planters add instant style and a splash of almost effortless green on a patio, in a courtyard or on either side of an entrance.