If you live in a manufactured home, finding ways to personalize your outdoor space while keeping things manageable can be a challenge. And having some fun and fresh landscaping and garden plants can really grow your curb appeal.
So, what do you do when space is limited? One great solution is to create a container garden, which allows you to grow plants without taking up much room or requiring a full backyard.
Whether you live in a smaller manufactured home or within a manufactured home community, container gardening is an excellent way to bring greenery and beauty to your surroundings without overwhelming the space.
What is a Container Garden?
A container garden is essentially a collection of plants grown in containers rather than directly in the ground. This method is particularly well-suited for people who live in homes with limited outdoor areas or for those who may not have the time or energy to tend to a large garden. Using pots, planters, or other creative containers, you can grow various flowers, herbs, vegetables, and even small shrubs.
Container gardening allows you to design a manageable space tailored to your lifestyle. Since each plant has its own container, moving things around, changing the layout, or even bringing plants indoors when necessary is easy. It’s a great way to introduce greenery into your environment, and it’s especially ideal for those living in manufactured homes in Washington state, where weather isn’t always in our favor.
Why is a Container Garden Perfect for Manufactured Homes?
One of the biggest advantages of container gardening for manufactured homes is that it doesn’t require a large yard. Many people living in manufactured home communities have limited space to work with, and a container garden provides a solution that doesn’t require planting directly into the ground. Additionally, container gardening is more accessible for people who may not want to handle the maintenance demands of a full garden.
Because containers are flexible, you can create a beautiful garden without committing to a permanent layout. You can arrange your containers to suit your space, and if you decide to rearrange your outdoor area, it’s as simple as moving your pots around.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Container Garden
But just what are the right plants for your container garden? It all starts with considering the best plans for the gardening and plant hardiness zone within which you live. Once you have all that squared away, it’s important to consider the amount of sunlight your home receives, as well as the size of the containers you’ll be using.
Here are some suggestions for plants that thrive in Washington state’s unique climate.
Bright and Sunny Spots
If your manufactured home has a sunny outdoor area, several low-maintenance perennials are perfect for containers. Plants like yarrow (Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis) and blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum or S. idahoense) add color and interest to your garden without requiring too much care. The nodding onion (Allium cernuum) and monkeyflower (Mimulus spp.) are also excellent choices that thrive in bright conditions. For larger containers, consider planting hairy manzanita (Arctostaphylos columbiana), which adds a bit of height and structure to your garden.
Partly Shaded Areas
If you have areas that are only partially exposed to the sun, such as near a covered porch or under a tree, certain plants will perform better in these conditions. Consider growing Douglas iris (Iris douglasiana), tiger lily (Lilium columbianum), or western columbine (Aquilegia formosa). These plants love a bit of shade and can still offer vibrant color and texture to your container garden.
For larger containers, look into shrubs like mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii). These plants can be a beautiful addition to your container garden, but you do need to rehome them before they become root-bound. So, be on the lookout and do your homework to check for signs of rehoming when needed.
Shady Spots
For areas with more shade, choose plants that prefer lower light levels. Foamflower (Tiarella trifoliata) and maidenhair fern (Adiantum spp.) are both lovely options that thrive in shady spots. If you have large containers, consider adding evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), which provides beautiful greenery even in low-light conditions.
Maximize Your Small Space with a Container Garden
A container garden is an easy and versatile way to bring nature into your life. Whether working with a small outdoor space or preferring a lower-maintenance garden, it all starts with choosing the right plants and containers.
Living in a manufactured home doesn’t mean sacrificing having a green space. With the right plants and containers, you can enjoy the beauty of a perfect garden for your lifestyle.
