Cool Combos From CAST 2017 – Editor’s Choice
April 18, 2017 Every year, I marvel at the beautiful combinations we see as we travel along the West Coast for the California Spring Trials. And every year, I vow to make a slideshow of my favorites, but when we return from CAST, things get busy and other tasks take precedence. Yet with container gardening becoming more of a lifestyle among consumers than a trend, and breeders continuing to put more effort in container mixes and components, I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t share some of the special combinations that not only caught my eye, but absolutely took my breath away and made me want to immediately get started gardening.
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I am just one person – one consumer, but I’m also part of your target demographic (40-year-old, female, homeowner, mother, disposable income). And I’m not your typical girly girl. Sure, I like pink (usually in small doses), but I mostly gravitate toward the darker jewel tones, as well as interesting foliage, texture, and mixed culture. I like combining annuals with foliage, blooming potted crops, perennials, and even food crops, but I also like low-maintenance because I’m busy. I like convenience and having mixes put together for me, as well as the freedom to experiment (with guidelines for what works together). I like shopping in store and online. But what I dislike is not being able to find what I like in stores to refresh containers after my spring combos are looking rough. So I’m hopeful that as growers begin to build out shoulder season crops, we’ll see more of these available in stores through summer and into fall.
Take my input and choices for what you will. And meanwhile, let me know which of my favorites are your favorites, too!
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