Pots of Joy with Manawee
While pot gardening may seem simple, achieving the perfect balance can be surprisingly tricky. Melanie Rosettenstein asks the expert to help you create a thriving and joyful potted garden.
Whether indoors, outdoors, clustered near the pool or making a welcome impression at your front door, pot gardening remains a joyful gardening pursuit. But, says one expert, it requires a little extra effort to make sure you get the effect you’re looking for. Manawee Garden Centre’s Marj Van Roy loves gardening and she’s particularly passionate about pot gardening.
“Some beautifully placed pots can really add style, depth and height to your garden and outdoor spaces,” she said. “Even without the plants, they can be a visual asset to your garden.”
Manawee Garden Centre, located at the top of Buderim, stocks a wide variety of pots (and plants) to suit any home interior and exterior. Marj says the distressed and ancient-style pots are currently on trend and the most sought-after colours tend to be whites and greys. She adds that while colour is important to ensure it blends well in or outside your home, the shape of a pot is equally as important.
“Avoid tapered pots that are narrow at the top as they make plant removal difficult when it’s time to give it a prune and replenish the soil,” she explained. “Large round pots are trendy but require ample space.”
When arranging them, Marj sticks to her rule of threes!
“Clusters of three with one standalone pot nearby looks amazing,” she said.
Marj says the cooler months are the best times to spruce up your existing pots or start a new pot garden.
“We are lucky to live in an amazing climate where we can garden 12 months of the year,” she said. “But when it comes to new plants, they acclimate better in autumn rather than being left to endure the harsh summer heat.”
“So, it’s best to wait until the temperature cools off a little bit.”
Arguably the most important things to get right when potting plants is choosing the correct soil and making sure the plant’s size suits the pot says Marj.
“Many plants suffer from phytophthora or root rot due to poor drainage and this could be due to two things,” she said. “Either the plant is being overwatered or the soil in the pot is not draining correctly – or both.”
Using potting soil is particularly important for your pots because of perlite, a vital ingredient which helps with aeration and drainage, preventing soil compaction and promoting healthy root growth.
“Your plant does not want wet feet so perlite is essential for keeping roots dry and healthy,” exclaimed Marj.
Other ways to ensure your pot drains correctly include adding gravel at the bottom of the pot and placing it on a stand so the water easily runs out.
For optimal watering, outdoor pots should not have plastic liners, as they can trap excess moisture. Indoor pots can have plastic liners but must be removed for proper watering.
Marj also stressed the importance of liquid feeding to keep pot plants healthy.
“Frequent watering in our tropical climate, especially when it’s hot, can leach the goodness from the soil,” she explained. “So liquid fertilizers such as Grow, which acts as both a fertilizer and a stabilizer; and Seasol, which is a tonic, help plants to thrive.”
Finally, make sure you choose the correct plants for the conditions in your garden or home.
“It’s crucial to consider sun exposure before selecting a plant,” Marj said.
Pot gardening success comes down to having a plan!
Understand your space and its light conditions, select the right plants to match, and pair them with suitable pots.
With these elements in place, you can enjoy a thriving and joyful garden for months to come. Thanks, Marj!
Marj’s Top Pot Plant Picks
For the Front Door
- Topiary figs, Aspidistra, select Philodendrons
Marj’s Tip: This area tends to be darker, so opt for shade-loving plants.
Poolside Beauties
- Dipladenias, Olives, Strelitzia
Marj’s Tip: Choose plants that thrive in both sun and shade and add extra stones or bricks to pots to prevent them from toppling in strong winds.
Best for Colour
- Mandevilla & Bougainvillea – Low maintenance and bloom for 10–11 months.
- Sun Impatiens – Stunning but needs frequent watering.
- Citrus Trees – Fragrant and visually striking.
- Lavender & Salvias – Perfect for a soft, cottage-style garden.
- Angelonia & Calibrachoa – Ideal for cascading over pot edges.
Simon, Marj, and the knowledgeable team at Manawee are ready to help you find the perfect pots and plants for your garden. To make the best choice, consider the light conditions of your space and the aesthetic you want to achieve.
