Small plants can be displayed more creatively than just in individual pots. Plant them in groups in planters or baskets, or in a shallow container on a pedestal. You can even create a miniature garden in a large bottle. An advantage of grouping plants is that you can get away with less than perfect specimens. A plant with lopsided growth, or one that is bare at the base, can be arranged so that its defects are hidden by other plants.
Grouped plants also benefit from the microclimate created when plants are grown together. The local humidity is likely to be a little higher as the leaves tend to protect each other from drying air and cold draughts, and it is easier to keep the compost (potting soil) evenly moist in a large container than a small one. Groupings are ideal for self-watering containers and for plants grown hydroponically, and simply ensuring a steady and even supply of moisture produces better growth.
Pedestals make good bases for plant displays. If you have an attractive pedestal, use short trailers that will cascade over the pot but will not completely hide the pedestal under a curtain of leaves. Plants with an arching rather than a cascading habit are also ideal for a pedestal where you want to show off both pot and pedestal. Another display idea is a pot-et-flour arrangement. This makes an ideal centerpiece, and gives plenty of scope for artistic presentation.
The still, protected and humid environment of a sealed bottle garden, with moisture re-circulating as it condenses and runs down the glass, makes it possible to grow many small jungle and rainforest type plants that would soon die in a normal room environment. Yet, if you leave the top off and water very carefully, a bottle garden can also be a pretty way to display those plants that enjoy less humid conditions
PLANTING A PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT
Fill a wide, shallow, stable container with a layer of compost (potting soil).Choose a mixture of flowering and foliage plants for a spectacular display. Try them for position while still in their pots, until you are happy with the arrangement.
Remove the plants from their pots for final planting. Set those at the edge at an angle so that they tumble over the side.
Water, then sit the container in a saucer and position it on the pedestal.
CREATING A POT-ET-FLELJR WITH FOAM
- If you are using a basket, line it with plastic to ensure that it is waterproof.
- Position your foliage plants first, preferably in shallow pots.
- Cut a block of absorbent stem-holding foam (this should be soaked overnight in water first) into pieces of the size required. Pack the pieces of foam between the pots to fill up all the gaps and hold the pots securely in position.
- Insert your flowers (and some additional cut foliage if you wish) into the moist foam. Stand back from the arrangement and view it from a distance to see whether you are happy with the result, and add more flowers and foliage if necessary.
- Place the arrangement in a fairly cool position, and replace the flowers and cut foliage as necessary (adding water to the foam will help to preserve them). If any of the foliage plants deteriorate in time, simply replace them with fresh ones.
PLANTING A BOTTLE GARDEN
- Place a layer of charcoal and gravel or expanded clay granules in the bottom of a thoroughly clean, fairly deep bottle. Add compost (potting soil), using a funnel or cone made from a sheet of thick paper or thin cardboard as a guide.
- If necessary, remove a little of the compost from the plants to make insertion easier. Unless the neck of the bottle is very narrow, you should be able to insert the plants without difficulty. If you cannot get your hand into the bottle, use implements such as those shown to lower the plants into position. Add another layer of charcoal and gravel or expanded clay granules around the bases of the plants.
- After tamping the compost around the roots (use a cotton reel on the end of a cane if necessary), mist the plants and compost. If necessary, direct the spray to remove compost adhering to the sides of the bottle. This type of open-topped bottle will require careful watering. Place it in good light, but away from direct sun as the plants may easily be scorched through the glass.