Growing plants in containers has been practiced for centuries for a number of diverse reasons one of the major ones being that people may lack the ground space into which to plant both ornamental and edible plants. The next major reason is that a beautiful container with a beautiful plant in it is a spectacular focal point and can be used to great effect in a design; to frame a view, to create emphasis and to add the fine finishing touches to an outdoor room.

There is a huge amount of versatility in gardening in containers. Conditions can be ideally created. Plants in pots can provide colour to brighten up patios, steps pathways, courtyards, balconies, rooftops, decks, windowsills and just about any situation that may look drab. Pots are also the ideal place to nurture and display plant collections that are rare, valuable and exotic.