Chris Collins on…container combinations

Summer officially started for me this month as I embarked on the ‘big changeover’ on my balcony. The spring bulbs had sufficiently died back and been lifted, to be naturalised in various spots around the building. And now all danger of frost and cold easterly winds has passed it’s time for the many young plants (which I sowed in the spring), to take their place in the baskets and pots.

My balcony garden is dominated combinations of edible and seasonal colour. Pelargoniums rub shoulders with peppers, and tomatoes dance with begonias. I see many comments on social media that you must have one or the other: flowers or veg - but this is not a binary choice.

Mixed together, food and blooms make a productive and beautiful garden, and the blend of planting provides more resilience. A full basket or pot reduces irrigation and competition from free seeding visitors. Most importantly these combinations help encourage wildlife, some of which will be predators to take care of any visiting pests.

Best vegetables for colourful foliage

Many vegetables are also incredibly beautiful plants. The stems of a rainbow chard are stunning, as is the hanging fruit of an aubergine. Tomato plants provide scent through their pungent foliage and a bright red chilli plant give the wow factor in a small space.

My typical basket planting would have:

1. A central plant like chard.
2. Surrounded by flowering plants such as begonia.
3. Trailing down the sides: ivy leaved pelargonium staggered with tumbling tomatoes.
4. I may even sneak in a strawberry or two!

This year’s growing season has had a very dry start, and balcony and container gardens can be thirsty areas so I’ve opted to have plants that can deal with limited irrigation. This includes Mediterranean type veg and colour that won’t flag after a day in the sun. It’s worth considering this approach if your time is short and in the face of ever-growing water bills.

Whatever you decide to do with your space, I think the golden rule is to consider your garden as painting - the plants being the paint and the garden being a canvas. Don't be afraid to mix things together. Express yourself and happy gardening.

Chris Collins