Colorful Containers: Flowers for Balconies Patios and Terraces

Two gardening authorities explain how to use containers and plants to beautify problem outdoor areas in a brightly illustrated guide containing more than two hundred full-color photographs and a host of expert gardening tips.

Not everyone has the extra space for a full-sized garden, but that doesn't mean the quiet joys of working with the soil and nurturing plants are out of reach. Colorful Containers is precisely the book for anyone, beginners and experts alike, seeking to add a natural touch to a confined space such as a patio or terrace. The authors write, "It is amazing how you can conjure up different and very individual atmospheres by using simple materials and carefully selected plants ... even a small balcony can offer a link with the colorful world of plants." The book wisely offers separate chapters focusing on the different levels of light a container gardener might have available, with helpful hints on selecting plants that thrive in full or partial sun, and even complete shade. Additional sections offer advice on choosing between the many different types of containers, how to arrange plants creatively in various settings, and what's required to keep container gardens looking attractive throughout all four seasons. The detailed text is supported by hundreds of color photos, providing a surprisingly abundant yield of information on this relatively small subject. --George Laney