The last decade has seen more and more Americans moving to downtown condominiums and apartments. By 2020, the population of downtown Bellevue is expected to quadruple. With this trend in downtown living, what will become of the number one hobby in America, gardening? Many downtown Bellevue residents enlist the help of expert Tina Dixon of Plants a la Cart to design and install container gardens. Dixon offers the following advice for “green” gardeners.

First, consider how much space you have and choose a suitable container, no smaller than 20 inches, with good drainage. If your building has weight restrictions, choose lightweight containers, such as those made of plastic.

Next, determine what you would like to plant—permanent shrubs, vegetables or flowers. If you wish to eat what you sow, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, fennel and herbs are all fit for containers, whereas Verbena, Heliotrope and Geraniums are popular floral selections. Select plants that can tolerate the environment of your garden, including reflected heat from glass, metal railings and patios. The plants should be well watered, at least once a day and twice a day during the summer. However, also beware of the cold, making sure to wait until the last chance of frost to plant; early May is usually safe.

Finally, if gardening doesn’t thrill you but you enjoy plants and flowers, visit one of the outstanding downtown Bellevue florists featuring indoor potted plants and fresh cut flowers.


Resources

Downtown Florists
Arbour
425-454-1510

Bloomers of Bellevue
425-454-7735
bloomers.citysearch.com

City Flowers Incorporated
425-454-0882
cityflowers.com

Lawrence the Florist
425-454-6622
www.lawrencetheflorist.com

Main Street Florist
425-454-6051

Downtown Landscape Designer
Jongejan/Gerrard/McNeal
425-454-5723

Container Garden Designer
Tina Dixon
Plants a la Cart
425-481-2194