Add a cottage-garden feel to your patio with this simple pot project. The trio of narcissus, carex and aubretia provides instant colour, as plants can be bought in flower. If other spring flowers catch your eye at the garden centre, you could use those instead.

Ad

Find out how to create the display, below.

You Will Need

  • Carex comans, bronze-leaves
  • Purple aubretia (2)
  • Narcissus 'Minnow' (2)
  • 30cm terracotta pot
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Total time: 30 minutes

Step 1

Adding crocks to the pot
Adding crocks to the pot

Place pieces of terracotta over holes in the pot's base to allow water to drain freely.

Step 2

Teasing out the carex roots
Teasing out the carex roots

Tease out the fibrous roots of the carex to encourage it to quickly send out new roots.

Step 3

Planting the carex
Planting the carex

Part fill the pot with compost. Set the carex in the centre, leaving room for other plants.

Step 4

Dividing the narcissus
Dividing the narcissus

Split the narcissus bulbs carefully and set them in position around the carex.

Step 5

Planting the aubretia around the edge
Planting the aubretia around the edge

Plant aubretia in the gaps at the edge of the pot, so they can trail over the side.

Step 6

Finished container
Finished container
Ad

Water the container well and allow to drain fully. Site in a sunny position.

Kevin Smith

Use the carex as a year-round focal point for this display. Move the other plants to the border when they’re past their best, replacing them with other seasonal blooms to create an entirely new look.
Ad
Ad
Ad