Hosting a patriotic party over the coming weeks? Don’t forget to spruce up your front porch or backyard patio with 
some planters or containers. A spirited planter or two will add to the festive look!
In the summer heat, remember that planters dry out fast, so to help retain moisture, add several handfuls of compost or peat to the potting mix. Place plants from tallest to shortest in pre-moistened soil. Flowers you may wish to include in your planter include Shasta daisies, Red zinnia, ‘Techno Blue’ lobelia, ‘Watermelon’ sun coleus, ‘Supercascade White’ petunia, and ‘New Wonder’ fanflowers.
Feeling crafty? Purchase some buckets that are red, white and blue; add drainage holes to the buckets; and then fill 
with potting soil and flowers. Don’t have a green thumb? Simply purchase mini American flags and place them among your own planters and throughout your flowerbeds. Whichever route you go, get the kids involved, too – make it a family project. Talk about what it means to celebrate July 4th!
And remember…there are lots of patriotic gardening ideas on Pinterest! Go get inspired!
