AJ News

Mauri Rapp Abington Journal Correspondent

WAVERLY - If brown is the new black and 40 is the new 30, then the use of containers is definitely one of the trends in gardening that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Kristin Jungbluth, of Oakford Woods in Waverly, has used container gardening for the past several years as a simple yet attractive alternative to flower beds.

click image to enlarge

click image to enlarge

Additional Photos Below

Select images available for purchase in the
Times Leader Photo Store

Container gardening can be an easy, space -saving solution for those who want to have a flower garden, yet lack the space required for a traditional flower bed. Although Jungbluth’s yard could easily fit a garden bed, she cites another reason for choosing container gardening that most suburban and rural gardeners understand all too well: wild animals. Jungbluth said that keeping flowers contained to vases and other types of containers reduces the need to spray repellants. “We just have so many deer around here,” she said. “But we don’t have to spray as much with the containers.” Also, with this summer’s above average amount of rain, Jungbluth said that containers are far less likely to experience the rot and blight that have been affecting flower and plant beds. “The containers have much better drainage,” she said.

Container gardening also allows Jungbluth, who has a degree in horticulture, to explore her creativity. She said she enjoys creating pieces that feature one particular flower or plant as a larger statement that supersedes the smaller plants within the piece. For example, she created a piece featuring Lantana surrounded by smaller plants and flowers. Jungbluth also pointed out a piece she created featuring different colored Coleus: an ornamental, shade-loving plant. “I wanted to create a single statement piece with one type of plant, only with different colors,” she said. Jungbluth took a similar approach with a large basket of pansies which sits at the side of her front yard, which she was able to save after the entire group nearly died. “I cut them back very far, almost about four inches,” she said. “Now they’ve bloomed beautifully, and we’ll have them until October or November.”

Jungbluth, who hails from the Midwest, said she particularly likes that the pansies will last so long in Northeastern Pennsylvania’s climate. “I’ve never lived in a region where the pansies last more than a few months,” she said.

Jungbluth’s container garden consists of a mix of baskets, garden planters of various sizes, widths and styles, and traditional terra cotta plant pots. By using a variety of different styles and heights, her choice of containers is just as visually appealing as the myriad colors planted within. Best of all, most can be moved for better access to sun or water, or just to create a new look. Her containers add a bright, versatile accent to her deck and yard without the backbreaking work required for a traditional garden bed.

The Abington Journal and theabingtonjournal.com is runing a 14-week story series written by Mauri Rapp and a contest on featured home gardens in the area. We will be accepting nominations for up to 14 gardens, which will be featured each week in print and online from July 29 through Oct. 28. Our readers will then vote for their favorites at your location or the Abington Journal office and on our Web site. To nominate a garden, call Editor Kristie Grier Ceruti at 570.585.1604 or email kgrier@theabingtonjournal.com. Feel free to include photos. To place an advertisement in print, call Amy Griffith at 570.585.4189 or email agriffith@timesleader.com. To place an ad online, call Erica Calvert at 570. 970.7201 or email ecalvert@timesleader.com