Create a scented pot - Step by step

I used them for the colour in this container which will look great until Christmas if I take the dead heads off.

I used a deep, plastic container but there is no need to have 60cm (2ft) of compost for such small plants. I filled the base with broken pots then put a sheet of folded fleece on top to prevent the compost dropping into the base.

For evergreen foliage, I used two variegated skimmias and a variegated euonymus. The same planting would look good in a shallow pot too but I lifted it with this tall pot to make it easier to enjoy the scent of the cyclamen and the skimmia flowers in spring.

Step 1
Make sure the pot has drainage. There are usually pre-marked holes. You can drill these out or use an old pair of secateurs, twisting them round to make the drainage holes.

Step 2
Cover the holes with some broken pots or polystyrene to half fill the container. Note: If you use light materials the finished pot may be slightly unstable when complete.


Step 3
Put a layer of fleece, some weed fabric or even some old sheet over the drainage material to prevent the compost falling through into the drainage below.

Step 4

Fill the container with compost and put the first plant in place. It is best to start with the largest or central plant. Then add smaller plants around it and water.


TOP TIP
To save money, plant pansies instead. Add some dwarf daffs for extra colour.

Aftercare
The cyclamen should last until the new year. Pick off faded flowers and yellowing leaves. Replace them with winter-flowering pansies in January or pots of bulbs. Keep the pot watered, even in winter. Start feeding in spring.
In late spring, you can either replace the pansies with summer bedding or carefully remove the shrubs and plant them out in the garden.