Lobelia creates waves of color in planters

A few weeks ago I stumbled on this gorgeous planter in front of the Bobo's Chinese Restaurant on Broadway in Bangor.  The planter is situated slightly under the overhang of the roof so that the flowers are in bright light all afternoon, but do not receive direct sun until late afternoon or evening.

At first glance, the Lobelia appears to be floating in the breeze creating gentle waves of color. I love the way the owner included Lobelia in shades of blue, purple, white and lavender. I must admit, it never occurred to me to plant them together like this, but this planter is a definite show stopper. The appearance of rippling waves of color created by a gentle breeze is the selling point of this arrangement for me.

Behind the Lobelia are carefully staggered red and light pink geraniums. Some of the geraniums look white in this picture (sorry all we had was a cell phone), but they are really a pale pink with a slight salmon tint. Although white geranium would work, it would change the dynamics of the planting. The pastel pink gives this planter a light airy feel and adds country charm.

This particular planter is about 10 feet long and 2 feet wide, but the idea can be used for smaller planters. 

I'm already planning to build a planter between two sections of recycled picket fences to replicate the flowing mass of color with lobelia next year - that is, if I can get a little help with the construction.


                                                               Until next time ... HAPPY GARDENING!

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