Whether they are green plants, flowering plants, succulents, cacti, grasses or trees, different plants need different kinds of soil and care. Choosing the right pots for your plants is part of this care. Flower pots can be as simple as terracotta pots and saucers, or glazed pots with hand-painted designs on them. How can you find the right pot?

1. Match the style of the pot to the style of your home. A tall, slender pot blends in beautifully with modern decor. Casual, folk art pots fit right in with country style. No matter what the style of your home is, make sure the design of the pot doesn’t outshine the plant.

2. Think about maintenance. Though terracotta pots and planters absorb moisture quickly, they also dry out quickly. Ceramic pots are sealed with glaze. Some glazes are plain and some are crackled. Wooden planters are unsealed and you may have to seal them, and continue to seal them, to prevent fading and splintering.

3. Think about the general location of the plant. Deck pots and container garden pots have to be sturdy enough to withstand weather. Your pots should allow for drainage. Put large saucers under large pots to protect wooden decking. You may also wish to buy hanging plants for your deck or patio.

4. Keep scale in mind. Perhaps you are buying a plant for your coffee table. A pot of chrysanthemums will look right at home on a large table, whereas a small bonsai plant will look right at home on a small table. Place an indoor tree in a tall area that allows for growth.

5. Learn about plant growth. Some plants prefer tight quarters and others prefer large quarters for their spreading root systems. Choose a flower pot that suits this growth. Find out if the plant needs direct or filtered sunlight. Your local flower shop or nursery can advise you on the best pot for your plant.

One final tip. Keep in mind that large pots are hard to move after they are filled with soil. You may wish to buy a rolling plant mover when you buy the pot. And check discount stores for faux stone pots made of plastic or resin. These pots are attractive, lightweight, and last for years.

You may be lucky enough to find flower pots at church rummage sales, local flea markets, and antique shops. Many of these pots are one-of-a kind and you won’t find them again. When you see a pot you love, buy it. (You may be able to talk down the price.) Nothing sets off a plant more than the right flower pot. Happy hunting!

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson

The lily belongs to the Liliaceae family of which there are 250 genuses and 4-6000 known species. The Lily is so called after the Greek, Lerion, which means White Lily (Lilium Candidum), the llily comes from the northern hemisphere, and they are monocotyledonous, bulbous plants.

The Habit of the Lily The lily blooms in Spring or Summer time and enjoy being grown in a soil that is well fertilised. The best place to plant the lily in in sunny but not direct sunlight. It also prefers protected areas as the lily does not enjoy being blown around in the wind.

When planting the lily a one foot deep hole should be made, then lines with compost or peat. Plant the bulbs and cover them with an inch of compost or peat. As a recommendation the bulb should be placed in the ground 3 times deeper than their height, thus if the onion is one inch in length plant it 3 inches deep.

Uses for the Lily Plant Lillies are great in any garden, however they make a fantastic container plant. Because of its beauty it is extremely popular with Florists and you will see a lot of lilies in the flower shops since they look very nice in a bouquet. The cut flowers of the lily generally to live for eight days providing clean fresh water is supplied regularly.

Most people find the idea of growing exotic plants thrilling and adventurous. This is for the simple reason that it is unusual to find tropical plants in climates of low temperatures and high dampness. More so these plants vary distinctively in form, shape, color and texture from the indigenous ones. Their unusual beauty and strong architectural shape inspires awe and excitement. Its this head turning and gaze-fixating ability of these plants that accounts for the satisfaction one derives at the end of the day. It makes up for all the pains and patience involved in this intricate and demanding process. While planning your garden you should be particular about the plants you want to have. Theres a whole gamut of plants that are available, each having their own charm and beauty. While there are many exotic plants that are evergreen equally many are seasonal. A few of them can just survive in frost prone climates. Every plant type requires varying degree of care and attention. While some plants require cosseting in winters, others may need to be wrapped in fleece or to be moved indoors. Although, its generally believed that most exotic plants can be grown only in relatively warm regions, a large number of them have been found to survive even in frigid zones. Its a treat for the eyes to find several varieties of Palm trees and plants of the ginger family interspersed with more hardy but exotic looking species, thronging these regions.

Tree ferns are among the favorite plant species grown in these regions. A large number of these exotic trees form the backdrop to the tender planting, which is carried out in late spring when the nights are warm. Most exotics such as cannas, gingers, colocasias grow quickly creeping over almost everything, giving birth to a dense impenetrable jungle of foliage and flower. Bromeliads, Chlorophytum, Monstera, Tradescantia and Platycerium are varieties of exotic plants that are grown indoors.When the weather is warmer, its also a good idea to have some potted plants hanged from branches of trees. This not only gives a different look to the garden but also ensures that these exotic plants get enough sunlight. Most of the exotic plants originating from warmer tropical or Mediterranean countries bear bright flowers and fruits and may have peculiar shape or habit, which serves to invigorate the entire habitat. You can also name these plants suitably with little colorful paper tags.And youll of course be all smiles with compliments pouring in from everywhere! www.seedgarden.net