DENVER — As Steve Staeger moves from weekend mornings to weekend evenings, we're putting what he's learned from Rob Proctor to the test.
Using proper planting techniques, he designs and plants a container for his patio.
The "thriller, filler, spiller" design plan guides his decisions.
With a pink-striped Australian cordyline as a centerpiece "thriller," he adds "filler" Madagascar periwinkles and Brazilian angel flowers.
"Spillers" include black petunias and purple verbena - both from South America - and rosy purple wishbone flower from Vietnam.
While the plants originated in different parts of the world, they share the need for sun, heat and moisture to prosper.
A fertilizer with a high ratio of phosphorous helps to promote continuous bloom throughout summer.
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