Question
Hi, I'm excited to have found this site! We just moved to a new area from being in a different climate zone and into a new house we're renting, and I've just started to garden. Since we're renting, I want to do a container garden so I can take it with me, if and when we move later.

We're in Door County, Wisconsin, which is a zone 5a, and the covered patio is facing West, so we have shade throughout the day and hot afternoon sun. Can you recommend some flowers and herbs that would do well both under the cover of the patio and in the sun? I'm at a loss with all the choices out there.

We love lemon grass, would that do well? And can you grow bulbs in pots (and if so do you have to take them into the basement during the winter and water them)? What about bushes too, can they grow in pots?

Sorry for so many questions. I hope you can help me. I look forward to hearing from you!

Answer
I always say, you can grow just about anything in a container, but be prepared to loose a few things, while you explore the possiblilties for your site. That is how gardening works.
Another thing to consider is, many "flowers" will bloom well in the cooler times, such as Spring, and Fall, but in the heat of Summer, they will stop blooming, or slow to just a few flowers. Then there is the difference between Perennials, Annuals, and Bulbs. Perennial will return every year,(usually reach their maturity at three years) but they only bloom for a short time, so the rest of the season they are a "green" plant. Annuals on the other hand, only live for "one" season. But they bloom for that entire season. Bulbs are like Perennials. They only bloom for a short time, then they are through for the year.
I think you have an idea of where I am going with this.
Flowers I would highly recommend. . .
Dianthus "Pinks"
Verbena (Any)
Flax
Penstimen
Alyssum
Calibrachoa
Lobelia
Scabiosa
Sedum
Snapdragon
Phlox
This list is a place to start. It is a mix of Perennials and Annuals that are easy to grow, and bloom well under most conditions.
As for Bulbs, because the heat of summer starts after the bulbs are through blooming, just about any spring bulb will grow. After the tops have died down, store them in a cool place for the summer, like in a garage, or basement.
Then put them outside again,in the Spring, when night temperatures are above freezing.

Lemon grass is not hardy. So if you grow it, it will need to be brought in, in the winter. It has very sharp blades, that can cut passers by, so be careful where you place it.

Most herbs are not fussy. Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme, Sage, and Fennial will all grow in pots under your conditions.

Bushes will grow in pots, as well. But they need very big pots after they have grown a while. I don't recommend starting with bushes, until you have mastered the flowers, and herbs.
Remember when the sun is hot, the containers will dry quickly. Check them often. You may need to water every day.
But don't water until you have checked to see if the soil is dry. Don't fertilize if the temperature is over 90 degrees. Otherwise fertilize according to directions on the package, about once a month.
If you see the plants are thin, or stretched, and new growth is sparce, they will probably need more sun. Many plants will grow well in shady conditions, but to flower well, they need more light. If the containers seem to be too hot, put a shade barrier in front of them, to keep the soil cool, but the plants will still get the sun.
Sorry, it has taken such a long time for me to answer you, but it is a busy season for me now.

bakerplanter