Why plants? Why design?
My passion for plants and design began as a child wandering in the woods, collecting flowers, moss, feathers, mushrooms and whatever else caught my eye. Today you'll find me doing much of the same; still exploring the world around me, be it in the DC area, coastal Georgia, or on my travels near and far. Engaging in the natural world whether hiking in the woods-observing native ferns and rocks or strolling the city parks-I am continually expanding and editing my palette of colors, textures and forms.
Designing and planting seasonal containers has opened up a world of creativity where I can share the beauty of the natural work with those around me.
- Anne Brooks Rudzki
Testimonial
Alas, I wasn't born with a green thumb, but just like Claude Monet said, "“I must have flowers, always, and always!” Thank goodness for Anne Brooks Rudzki and Capital Roots Containers for bringing our household joy year round with exquisite designs that not only delight our family, but provide a gracious and beautiful welcome to any and all who come to our front door or gather for some fun or relaxation on our back patio. Anne Brooks' meticulous eye for detail and her artistic sensibility transformed the stairs and front porch of our home. She selected architectural landscaping containers that add character and interest to our patio and are the perfect accents in our planting beds. Each season I look forward to seeing what new plants, flowers and materials she will weave together. Capital Roots Containers has given our home a bold and welcoming entrance in the front and a peaceful oasis on the back patio year round!
Elizabeth Northrup
Professional Services
Seasonal Container Design and Planting
Capital Roots Containers services Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac and Northwest D.C.
Container Sourcing
We offer a range of containers from bespoke to off-the-shelf, local to international vendors.
Interior Plantscaping
We have the experience and skills necessary to tackle just about every type of job that comes our way. With Capital Roots Containers, clients know exactly what to expect - professionalism, efficiency and exceptional results.
Watering Tips
Check Moisture Levels
Before watering a container, be sure that the plants need water. Over-watering is just as harmful as under-watering. The soil at surface of the container might look and feel dry to the touch, but the soil might be moist just an inch or two below the surface.
To test container moisture, try this: stick your finger into the soil as far as it goes or at least to your second knuckle. If the soil feels dry at your fingertips, the plants need water.
Water Deeply
The most important thing to remember when watering containers is to water deeply—this means that you should see water running out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. If you don't see watering flowing from the bottom of the container, you have not watered enough.
Water in the Morning
Plants are more receptive to watering in the morning and less so in the midday sun. Morning is ideal because it provides sufficient moisture to the plants for the entire day, there is less evaporation caused by wind and heat, and it allows wet foliage to dry out before nightfall. Watering in the evening is not recommended because the foliage does not have enough time to dry before the sun goes down. Wet foliage can invite fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. If you can't water containers in the morning, water them when they're dry no matter what time of day it is.
Water the Soil, Not the Foliage
Plants absorb water through their root systems, not through their leaves, stems, or flowers. Thus, to properly water your containers, apply water to the soil where it will reach and be absorbed by the plant roots. Wetting foliage can lead to an increased chance of fungal and other diseases and the water is wasted anyway.
Don't Rely on Rain
Even if you think a rain shower has watered your containers, don't be so certain because it's usually not true. Plant foliage can act like an umbrella and actually prevent water from reaching the soil. With containers filled with mature plants, soil might not even be visible so it's impossible for rain to penetrate the thick growth. Rainfall amounts, even those from a heavy storm, might not be nearly enough to fully saturate container soil from top to bottom. Take matters into your own hands and monitor container moisture yourself, even after a heavy rainfall.