Monthly Archives: April 2024

Container gardening is a great way to beautify your outdoor spaces and satisfy your desire to garden, even in a small space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, mastering the art of container gardening can bring joy and bounty to any space. With a few tips and tricks, everyone can start container gardening for big impact, even on a small deck or patio.

Choose the Right Pots & Soil

Quality pots make a difference when it comes to outdoor gardening. It’s important to pick pots that are made to withstand our shifting seasons here in the Pacific Northwest. At Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we source quality pots and make them affordable through our Buy One, Get 2 Free Ceramic Pot deal that is offered year-round.

Out of the thousands of pots available at our stores, we know you’ll find a style that works for you. Start by picking pots with holes at the bottom so excess water can drain out. This prevents your plants from drowning. Then, use good potting soil – not soil from your yard. It has the right blend of nutrients and drainage to help your plants grow well.

Find a Winning Combo: Spiller, Thriller, Filler

A great rule of thumb for creating a visually stunning container garden is to follow the spiller, thriller, filler design principle. Choose one standout plant that is fairly upright in form–the thriller– to serve as the focal point of your arrangement, then complement it with trailing plants–the spillers–to add depth and dimension. Finally, fill in any gaps with smaller, complementary plants–the fillers–to create a cohesive and balanced look. Need some suggestions? Ask our knowledgeable staff and peruse garden websites for ideas on how to use this trio when container gardening for big impact.

Seeds, Starts, & Potted Plants

Seasoned gardeners know that the best bang for your buck comes from growing plants from seed. Some plants are notoriously easy to grow from seed and happily reseed themselves around your garden. Sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias, and calendula are great flowers for first time seed sowers to try. However, not everyone has the time and energy needed to tend to new seedlings, and this is where starts and potted plants make the most sense. 

Don’t shy away from plant starts. They may seem tiny, but they have had plenty of time to establish root systems and store up energy in their small pots and will take off growing in size and bulk when added to good soil in your container.

Larger potted plants are great for adding to the center of your pot for instant impact. Use these as that central “thriller” and either seed or smaller starts around the outer edges of your pot. 

Layering Bulbs for Long Lasting Displays

For continuous color throughout the growing season, consider layering bulbs in your containers. It takes some strategic planting, but the reward is a kaleidoscope of colors from summer through fall.

Bulb options for Spring Planting: anemones, begonias, calla lilies, caladiums, cannas, crocosmia, dahlias, elephant ears, freesia, gladiolus, lilies, ranunculus, and tuberoses.

Hanging Baskets & Pouches

Take your container gardening to new heights with hanging baskets and pouches. These versatile containers are perfect for adding vertical interest to your outdoor space, whether you’re hanging them from a pergola, balcony railing, or porch ceiling. Choose from our huge selection of sun and shade hanging baskets and pouches.

Long Lasting Cool Wave Pansy

Cool Wave pansies are the ultimate cool-season annual. Known for their exceptional hardiness and versatility, these resilient plants can even withstand freezing temperatures and bounce back with vigor once thawed. They are a great option for container gardening, because they will keep pushing out blooms with little effort from the gardener. Just be sure to keep them well-hydrated, especially during hot summer months, to ensure they thrive.

Container gardening offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression, allowing you to unleash your inner green thumb, regardless of space constraints. With our healthy plants, the right tools, and a good dose of creativity, you can create beautiful, thriving container gardens that will delight and inspire for seasons to come. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and let your imagination run wild – build your container garden for big impact!

What better way to welcome the spring season of renewal than by immersing yourselves in the vibrant colors of locally grown flowers and freshly cut blooms? Whether you’re adding a pop of color to your garden with new plants or arranging a bouquet of freshly picked flowers, there’s something magical about the colors of spring. Bring on the spring color with Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce locally grown flowers. 

Cineraria Plants: Hardy Beauties

As winter fades away, Cineraria plants, also known as Senetti, emerge as resilient symbols of spring’s arrival. These hardy plants are known for their ability to withstand unpredictable spring weather, enduring everything from pouring rain to gusty winds. Their vibrant blooms come in a dazzling array of colors ranging from electric blues to deep purples. Flowers will keep coming through the summer with a little deadheading of spent blooms. Whether planted in garden beds or showcased in containers on patios and balconies, Cineraria plants add a touch of exuberance to any outdoor space. Our locally grown flowers are well suited for our climate.

Local Tulips: Timeless Elegance

Few flowers symbolize spring quite like tulips, and our locally grown flowers are no exception. Whether displayed in pots or cut for indoor arrangements, local tulips exude timeless elegance and charm. Potted tulips, with their graceful stems and delicate petals, make enchanting focal points on porches and entryways. Meanwhile, freshly cut tulips bring a burst of color to your workspace or dining table, elevating any room with their natural beauty. Pair them with classic ceramic pots for a touch of romance that never goes out of style.

Cool Wave Pansies: Long-lasting Splendor

It’s hard to resist those adorable little faces! For those seeking a splash of color that lasts throughout the season, cool wave pansies are the perfect choice. These hardy annuals thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early spring planting. Whether cascading from hanging baskets or spilling over the edges of garden beds, cool wave pansies create stunning displays of long-lasting splendor. Pick up a few hanging pouches for your front porch or to adorn your fence posts. Pansies add the perfect touch of whimsy to every outdoor space. Follow a few simple tips to keep your pansies blooming through the season.

Daffodils: Bring in the Sunshine

Bring the beauty of the outdoors inside with cheerful, cut daffodils. A single bouquet will bring loads of cheer to your indoor spaces. Their bright yellow blooms symbolize hope and new beginnings, making them perfect for lifting spirits after the gray days of winter. Place potted daffodils on windowsills or tabletops to infuse your home with the freshness of spring. Daffodils add a touch of sunshine to any room. 

April Brings the Primrose Sweet

Primroses, with their delicate petals and vibrant colors, are a delightful addition to any garden or indoor space. These early spring bloomers thrive in cool spring weather, just like pansies, but are happy in shade, making them perfect for brightening up shady areas of the garden. Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages continuous flowering throughout the season. With proper care, primroses will reward you with their charming blooms and cheerful presence year after year.

Succulents: Add Texture and Drama

Succulents, known for their dramatic forms and gorgeous greens, offer a striking contrast to the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest landscape. While this region is renowned for its abundant rainfall, succulents can still thrive with the right care. In the Pacific Northwest, it’s essential to choose succulent varieties that are well-suited to the cooler, wetter climate. Opt for cold-hardy species such as sedum and hens-and-chicks, which are better equipped to withstand the occasional frost and damp conditions. When planting succulents in this region, ensure they’re placed in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Position them in areas with ample sunlight for these sun loving plants. Pick up a shallow pot from our huge selection of ceramic pots and plant several species together for a dramatic effect. 

Don’t Forget the Soil! 

All gorgeous color has its start with the soil. Give your plants the nutrition they need with compost, fertilizer, mulch and more. We carry everything you need to keep your garden abundant. You can also get a head start on your vegetable garden by sowing seeds for cool weather crops such as lettuce, spinach, and kale or by picking up healthy veggie starts that are ready to plant out. These early plantings will give you a jumpstart on the season and ensure a bountiful harvest later throughout the spring, summer, and fall. 

Whether you’re tending to your gardens or arranging bouquets for your homes, take time to allow the colorful tapestry of spring flowers to lift your spirits. Stop by our stores today to find some inspiration and stock up on locally grown flowers and everything you need for gardening and flower arranging!