You can never go wrong with the classic combo of red, white and blue. It’s fresh yet casual and conveys major summer style. Whether you’re living large by the lake or prefer a quiet country retreat, try this eye-catching mix of red geraniums and begonias with white dahlias and sun-loving vincas. White and blue lobelia make a charming accent around the edge of this rustic barrel container.


Rustic barrel container

Step 1 Select a garden container with adequate drainage holes and cover with a piece of landscape fabric (available at garden centres) to prevent the soil from washing out of the bottom.

Step 2 Partly fill your container with an all-purpose potting mix that contains a slow-release fertilizer – it will feed plants continuously for several weeks.

Step 3 Start with the geraniums and begonias in the centre of the container, adjusting the soil height so the tops of the root balls are just below the rim, and firm down. Place the dahlias and vincas around the centre plants. Fill in the gaps near the edge with the lobelias.

Step 4 Water your container garden well and place in a location that receives plenty of sun.

Tip: Fill the bottom of the container with packing peanuts to save on soil.
Beautiful blooms list

1 Calliope Dark Red geranium (Pelargonium ‘Amri Trared’)
2 ‘Olympic Red’ Rieger begonia (Begonia [Hiemalis Group] ‘Olympic Red’)
3 Hello! Gorgeous White dahlia (Dahlia Hello! Gorgeous Series)
4 ‘Titan Pure White’ vinca (Catharanthus roseus Titan Series)
5 ‘Regatta White’ trailing lobelia (Lobelia erinus ‘Regatta White’)
6 ‘Marine Blue’ trailing lobelia (Lobelia erinus ‘Marine Blue’)