Flowerpots

The design of the flowerpot and the style of the garden are as important as the plants you put in them. Here, by weaving together the pot-making process with planting design, Jim Keeling demonstrates how you can bring container gardening alive. Divided into the seasons of the year, Jim Keeling describes the planting and plant are stages. In Autumn he discusses how to plan ahead for the next year, choosing bulbs, making cuttings and propagating plants. In Winter Jim looks at hardy plants that will keep your pots full of interest during the cold months, while Spring examines planting seeds and bulbs, growing and forcing plants, greenhouse maintenance and how to deal with pests and diseases. Finally the glory of Summer is explored, from bedding out your plants to growing vegetables. Each chapter begins with illuminating information on the design and production of flowerpots, from the history of pot making to the seasonal routine at Whichford. Jim looks at the art of throwing, moulding and decorating pots, the origins and background of classic shapes such as the long tom and lemon pot, glazing and glazeware as well as his experiments for the future and the pursuit of the ever-larger pot. Jim also shares his design expertise in multi-species plantings and pot displays, honed both in his own gardens and his award-winning Chelsea shows. For gardeners and potters alike, this is a unique approach to the art of container gardening.