SALISBURY — Container gardening is fast becoming the gardening of choice, especially for people on the go. Containers are simple to plant, quick-growing and perfect for small spaces.
“Continuous Container Gardens” by Sara Begg Townsend and Roanne Robins offers an innovative system for creating stylish containers that can change with the seasons. Featuring 12 containers, the designers show the various ways of swapping plants for each season to create a total of 48 different looks. Each look is accompanied with stunning photographs.
Malcolm Miller’s “Container Gardening Throughout the Year” begins by first considering the containers and then discussing plant selection and the light, soil and moisture requirements for each. The full-page photographs illustrate how the containers (such as aged terra cotta pots, wire baskets, antique lead vases or glazed urns) enhance the flowers and foliage.
In “Container Kitchen Garden,” Anthony Atha explains how to grow herbs, vegetables and fruit in small spaces. His basic information includes choosing a container, preparing the site, choosing and buying the plants. This book contains a plant directory of 140 herbs, vegetables and fruits and gives data on their sizes, growing conditions and uses. Colorful illustrations are on every page.
Lifelong gardener Edward C. Smith became fascinated with the idea of self-watering containers and, after experimenting and testing various containers, soil mixtures, etc., he is convinced that anyone can grow and enjoy organic vegetables using pots with continuous-flow watering systems. Smith shares his information with readers and includes advice on beginning with seeds versus buying plants.
“Green thumb guide to patio gardens” is a DVD produced by TLC. David Hall show you how to choose the best plants and containers. It also includes useful advice on patio gardening and much more.
Magazines available (along with their websites) include Carolina Garden (carolinagarden.com), Organic Gardening (organicgardening.com) and Southern Living (southernliving.com) have articles on containers for gardening, organic gardening and pots that self water while you’re away.
Rowan Public Library has a great collection of books and other materials that will enable you to create the perfect patio, porch or outdoor arrangement.

Computer classes: For beginners — May 20, 7 p.m., South; May 21, 1 p.m., East (registration required, call 704-216-7731); May 23, 9:30 a.m., Headquarters. Classes are free. Sessions are about 90 minutes. Class size is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. Dates and times are subject to change without notice.
Dig into Reading this summer: Rowan Public Library and the Friends of RPL invite children of all ages to Dig Into Reading this summer. Sign your child up for a summer of programs and reading. Preregistration begins Monday at all library locations for children ages 12 months to rising fifth-graders. Children will be able to earn prizes by reading throughout the summer. For more information call your nearest RPL location.
Beneath the Surface teen summer reading: Teens will be exploring the underground through events, activities and reading. Preregistration begins on Monday at all library locations for rising sixth- through 12th-graders. Each week teens will focus on exploring our underground world, including mummies, gems and cities below the surface. Teens can earn library dollars to enter various raffles. For more information call 704-216-8234.
Spring photowalks: Monday, 6 p.m., South branch; May 18, 10 a.m., headquarters. Photographers of all ages are invited to Spring Photowalk. Bring your cameras, wear comfy walking shoes, and get ready to have fun. Registration is required. Register online at www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 704-216-8229.
Wayne Henderson in concert: Headquarters, May 23, 7 p.m. Wayne Henderson and Friends will play. Henderson’s guitar playing has been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall, the White House and in seven nations in Asia. The concert is free and all are welcome.
Book Bites Club: South (only), May 28, 6:30 p.m., “The Cookbook Collector” by Allegra Goodman. Book discussion groups for adults and children meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public and anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information, please call 704-216-8229.
Library closings: May 25-27, all locations closed for Memorial Day.
Displays for May: headquarters, Older Americans month by Jo Kearns; South, student art by South Rowan High School art class; East, Winnie the Pooh by Kim Davis.
Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.