My name is Allison Pond, and I’m the owner of Primo Pots and Planters in Moorestown, New Jersey. This is a chapter 2 career for me after 20 years in sales ranging from Xerox copiers to pharmaceuticals. After surviving countless layoffs, I left the industry to pursue a job that didn’t destroy my soul. I started this business in 2016 and received my Master Gardener certification in 2019. These are some of the containers I get to make for my clients.
This window box features angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia, Zones 9–11 or as an annual), SunPatiens (Impatiens hawkeri, Zones 10–11 or as an annual), angel wing senecio (Senecio candicans, Zones 8–10 or as an annual), cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus, annual), lobularia (Lobularia maritima, Zones 9–11 or as an annual), and creeping Jenny (Lysmachia nummularia, Zones 3–9).
This topiary was my most popular design this season. It features a braided hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Zones 9–11 or as an annual), SunPatiens, Supertunias (Petunia hybrids, Zones 10–11 or as annuals), sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas, Zones 10–11 or as an annual), Calibrachoa (Zones 10–11 or as an annual), Verbena (Zones 9–11 or as an annual), and Bacopa (Zones 9–11 or as an annual).
This railing planter has a geranium (Pelargonium hybrid, Zones 9–11 or as an annual), angel wing senecio, verbena, Calibrachoa, and Lysmachia.
This planter features geraniums, verbena, senecio (not yet caught up!), and one of my signature accents that I use in every planter.
This window box is full of Pentas (Zones 10–11 or as an annual), Lantana (Zones 8–11 or as an annual), SunPatiens, corkscrew rush (Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’, Zones 5–11), creeping Jenny, and Lobularia. I customized the accents, which are bleached wooden bell cups, and added some moss to the center. These colors were used for the university this student is attending in the fall.
Here’s the planter with solar lights inserted for a college graduation party!
This little pot for a shaded spot contains Caladium (Zones 8–11 or as a tender bulb), Begonia (Zones 10–11 or as an annual), sweet potato vine, an air plant (Tillandsia, Zones 10–11 or as an annual or houseplant), and bell cups.
We weren’t the only ones who adored these planters! A robin built a nest within a week, and we climbed a ladder to get a better look. The robin didn’t even disturb the hibiscus. It was so cool!
Have a garden you’d like to share?
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.
Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!
Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Niteangel Natural Wooden Insect Hotel, Garden Insect House for Ladybugs, lacewings, Butterfly, Bee, Bug
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Buffalo-Style Gardens: Create a Quirky, One-of-a-Kind Private Garden with Eye-Catching Designs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Comments
Re: topiary was my most popular design this season... braided hibiscus...SunPatiens, Supertunias...
I can see why - the combination looks great!
Thank you for sharing.
(I love Supertunias for summer - very reliable for me with great color choices from some nurseries.)
Thank you! The Sunpatiens have been one of my most reliable bloomers this season so I do use them very consistently. The range of colors is wonderful too.
Just outstanding. The best I’ve ever seen. I’m going to make a note of what you used. Thank you.
Okay Janet that comment certainly made my day! Thank you so much for sharing those kind words!
Your soul has obviously been healed with your new career. Your designs are lovely - so vibrant and full of life. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you very much for your kind words! My first job ever that I look forward to each day. It was well worth the pay cut 😉
Thank you for sharing photos of the best container plantings I have seen in a long time.
Thank you so much! That’s a lovely compliment. I’m on Instagram if you’d like to see more!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing and inspiring. The angel wing senecio is a bold silver accent and contrasts well with the finer flowers and foliage. Love your idea of using the bell cups within larger planters.
Thank you for that compliment! The senecio often plays a starring role, doesn’t it? It plays so well with others and I find it quite hearty! The bell cups are super fun and can be painted for a super custom look.
Great containers! Allison you've found your passion.!!
Thank you very much ! The cliche about finding work you love and never work a day is spot on!
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in