by Marion Loiola, Highland Mills Master Gardener Volunteer
As February comes to an end and we get closer to spring, I am noticing small, underutilized areas in my yard that could use some aesthetic enhancement. Perhaps you have a bare spot, a barren corner, or a rocky slope in your yard that you could dress up with a few plants. If you do, it might be time to develop this un-gardened area by creating a pocket garden! Pocket gardens provide an opportunity to become creative with landscape design by adding plantings in small otherwise unusable areas. They are a wonderful place for flowers, herbs, succulents, and vegetables. They can be used to add color and texture and attract birds and pollinators. Once established a good pocket garden will look like it always belonged there.
There are endless possibilities in terms of how to create a pocket garden. Determine key focal points that will work well with your design. Perhaps add a focal point using a dwarf conifer surrounded by annuals or vegetables that change each year. If your pocket garden is near the kitchen or back door you may want to plant edible herbs. Whether planted in the ground or a container, herbs are can add color, texture, attract pollinators, and/or provide you with delicious flavors for cooking. On your deck or patio, you can create a privacy screen using a vertical pocket garden made by planting vining plants in a container and training them to a trellis. If you are using raised beds in your pocket garden, you can use various border shapes to enhance your design. When using containers, make sure to chose one that adds to the aesthetic of the garden. Succulents can be used to enhance a rocky area. A great way to grow vegetables in an otherwise unusable space is growing them in straw bales. You can also pair vegetables with ornamentals in a pocket garden. Whatever you do, make sure that the pocket garden fits the space you have.
Once you decide where you want to place your pocket garden, make sure you note the lighting, drainage, and any other environmental conditions that may affect your plants. Before planting it is always a good idea to get your soil tested so you properly amend the soil to meet the needs of your plants. If you are using containers, you will want to use potting soil as opposed to garden soil. Don’t pack the potting soil too tightly and remember to water and fertilize as needed.
Plant choice is key. Research your plants and group those with similar needs together. When possible, use low-maintenance native plants which will need less water and have fewer pest issues. Stay away from aggressive plants that will take over the space and impede the growth of other plants in the garden. Look for plants that will remain interesting throughout year and think about how to use your pocket garden to attract wildlife such as birds and pollinators.
The design you use for your pocket garden is up to you. Take advantage of vertical gardening, container gardening, small, raised beds, and other space efficient techniques. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various sizes, textures, and colors. Soften your hardscape, create a personal space where you that you can relax and find joy.
As we get ready for spring, think about how you can brighten up your space with a pocket garden or two. Get creative, pick a theme, make a statement, use plants with different sizes, textures, and colors but most of all, have fun!