On a concrete pad behind a Patterson Park row house, Emily Jaskot has created an urban oasis through creative use of flowers, herbs, vines and even trees planted in containers.
She and her husband, Jared, moved to the house in 2007 and the next spring, the work began.
"It was kind of desolate," says Jaskot, a recent law school graduate. "I just wanted to fill as much of the space as possible with green and flowers."
The couple built wooden containers and a trellis and planted a dogwood tree, rose bushes and lots of mint. A clematis and climbing wisteria add vertical interest. Tomatoes, herbs, basil and thyme provide a small kitchen garden.
"It's a work in progress," Jaskot says. "It gets really, really hot…I'm still trying to figure out what does good back here."
She tried an azalea, but it didn't have enough shade. A butterfly bush attracted spider mites and had to be relegated to the sidewalk in the front.
"My mom and her mom were really great gardeners. I'm learning as a go," Jaskot says.
The advantage of containers, she says, is that their portability allows her to move plants to conditions that are more favorable and showcase those flowers looking their best.
"It's a really great option for those of us in the city," Jaskot says.
Favorite plant: Hydrangea. "It looks absolutely beautiful now."
Tips: "Some plants need a lot of room to grow. Go with a larger container than you think you might need," Jaskot says.
Runner up: Summer Gonter, Patterson Park
Best container garden: Emily Jaskot, Patterson Park
The view from the deck, looking down onto the patio, is framed by petunias in the winning container garden of Emily Jaskot in Patterson Park. (Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun)