Container gardening has evolved during the last decade. A pot of red geraniums is no longer sufficient. Gardeners can find many inventive ways to dress up their landscapes with sensational container plantings. Here are some books that can help you accomplish that.

“Container Water Gardening for Hobbyists” was released by Aquascapes Lifestyle Books. Even the tiniest yard can find space for these wonderful water gardens. There’s a design to suit every taste. This book offers all the information beginners will need along with inspirational design ideas. It is as easy as 1-2-3. This has color illustrated, step by step instructions for 26 container water garden projects. The projects include blueprints and a list of the materials and plants.

Throughout the book are shaded boxes with quick tips. For the more adventurous gardeners, this also explains how to create your own design and how to choose appropriate plants. A chapter also shows how to care for your water garden throughout the seasons. There’s a plant gallery with profiles of 48 water garden plants. These include photos, descriptions, and tips on plant care.

“Plants in Pots” by Andi Clevely takes container gardens to new heights. It shows how to create stunning displays. Published by Frances Lincoln, this features gorgeous color photos by Mark Bolton. Suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners, it has all the information you’ll need to succeed.

It covers all the different types of containers. The author places emphasis on the need for proper drainage. In addition, this book offers inspiring ideas for easy pot makeovers. With paints and accessories, you can turn an ordinary container into something special.

This also explores all the different garden locations for pots, such as patios, roofs and balconies.

An entire section is devoted to suitable plants. This covers both tender and hardy species, including trees, climbers, bulbs, edible crops and water plants.

This book also explains how to display your container gardens for the best visual effect.

One chapter explains how to care for your container plants. Readers will find all the basics on choosing potting soil, planting, and routine plant maintenance and care. Throughout the book are boxes with quick tips and lists
of recommended plants for special conditions or situations.

“Containers with Style-Do It Now Do It Fast Do It Right” from Taunton Press is perfect for time-starved gardeners. This book is a godsend. It delivers what the title promises. It features nine container garden projects, some of
which require some degree of carpentry skills.

These projects cover about every type of planter from moss-lined baskets to window and balcony boxes to water gardens. For small gardens, this has multi-tier container stands and trellis planters that make efficient use of the space. This book has ideas for both edible and ornamental landscapes. It shows how to give new life to old pots by embellishing them with mosaics, paint, or shells.

For each project, this has complete, step by step, illustrated instructions along with sketches and blueprints as well as a list of all the materials you’ll need. The introduction covers all the basic materials, supplies, tools, and techniques. It features all types of containers from terra cotta to plastic.

Throughout the book are sidebars with quick ideas and tips on what can go wrong and why.

This book urges gardeners to choose suitable plants for one’s growing conditions. It also has tips on routine plant care.