Small Container Pots under Gazebo

Hello, all! First of all, I LOVE THIS SITE! Thank you for having it!

Here's my question: I have a 12x12 square gazebo with three shelves each in all four corners. I found some bargin terracotta containers in animal shapes that I know my toddler would just adore! I found six of them for $5 each. They're on the small side (I've attached a picture). I'm not that great about watering during the week. I usually save "fun stuff" like gardening for weekends when I'm not working my butt off to pay for childcare! And I know terracotta dries out fairly quickly.

Can anyone think of something that would work well in dry, mostly-shady containers but can tolerate our hot, humid Louisiana summers; or am I asking too much?

Thanks for your input!

Danika :)

Welcome, Danika! Those are very cute containers. I especially like the cow. :-) Why don't you try different kinds of cactus? If you have a Lowes or Home Depot around there, they should have several to choose from.
Terrie

I was hoping for something a little more "touchable" with a toddler.....

I don't know of anything else that could go a week between waterings during the summer.

Okay.....what if I'm a good girl and water twice a week?

Well, if they are in full shade, you might get away with begonias since their stems hold water. There are many different kinds and very interesting. :-)

Two tips that might help.... Seal your terra cotta so the pots don't dry out as fast, and add a healthy dose of those water-holding polymer crystals (SoilMoist is one brand name). You might also put a plastic "liner pot" (find a nursery pot that fits well & wash it well with a little bleach) into those cute animal pots, as plastic doesn't dry out as fast. As you noted, those pots are fairly small, and I've found larger containers just don't dry out as fast. Hens & chicks are "touchable" succulents, as is aloe, but I'm not sure how well these would like a shady spot. (Just have to add, if you just have a few pots, it only takes moments to water them, and once you get in the habit those moments can become a cherished mini-break in an otherwise hectic day.)

Even with moisture crystals, my containers need watering every day (once in a while they can handle a skipped day), but then they are in bright, full sun on a SSW facing deck, so that's a totally different situation.

I'm trying to think of really tough, shade-tolerant plants..... I wonder if Pachesandra would do well in a pot?

Many plants are more drought tolerant once they're established, so you might consider starting keeping your pots inside for a couple of weeks until your newly transplanted plants have grown some good roots..... especially if you have a sunny window in a kitchen or bathroom, someplace where you'll see them and where water will be close at hand, so it'll be easy to tend them.

Have fun with whatever you try, and good luck!