Greenbook: A Local Guide to Chesapeake Living - Issue 7 | Page 15

Around the anchor, plant smaller, lower profile varieties like chives, comfrey, mints, marjoram, and sage. Remember: many of these varieties, such as the mint and sage, will aggressively spread as they grow. Other herbs, such as most varieties of oregano, grow in lovely cascades over the side of the container. You will need to periodically trim these plants or accommodate for their length. Consider adding in non-edible companion plants that attract pollinators, repel pests, or merely get along well with veggies and add a dimension of color or texture. Varieties that come to mind are aloe, geranium (Cranesbill and Pelargonium), nasturtium, marigold, garlic and sweet potato. How To Care for your Seedlings Be sure to protect your baby seedlings as they grow from extreme cold and frost. It isn’t unusual for a rogue frost to hit anytime before May. In this case, cover your plants with a plastic or fabric layer to retain daytime heat and keep frost crystals from killing tender leaves. If the weather turns extremely cold, bring your pot inside. Think of your container garden as a micro-space for your creativity and palate. Your investment this year can bring years of enjoyment and an endless canvas for expression. Every year can and should give you a chance to do something new. My best advice is to simply Jump In: there's really nothing to lose and everything to be gained for getting your hands dirty and losing yourself in the garden. Photo by Rita Calvert Local garden designer Deborah Furlan has been creating beautiful outdoor spaces for more than 20 years. Her firm Mikino Design specializes in design and build of all types of gardens and landscapes. Contact her at [email protected] e v i T o m o T u A s ’ T Lc L T , r i e A p p e p Ti service And r erce Ct m m o C 9 0774 1587 ro, MD 2 r o b l r a Upper M 8am-5pm Mon-fri only intment o p p a y Sat b -19 11 4 0 7 1 0 3 nCe aintene M D e l U ight & SCheD ngine l e RviCe k RoUtine C e h ning Se S, C p io U it S D e n n o tU , aiR C BRakeS, enSion p S U S D g an Ce SteeRin foRMan R e p , g t, welDin exhaUS : cALL for