On 8/1/11 12:42 PM, Chris Thompson wrote:
Hi all

I just inherited a rectangular planter, about 3 feet by 16 inches by 16
inches deep. I am looking for suggestions on what to stick in there. I live
in Rockaway, NYC, close to the ocean, so salt might be an issue. We do get
hard freezes here. I would prefer some kind of hardy perennial. Would some
lilacs do OK in that size planter? I don't know if they could take the
winters. Thanks

Chris

Lilacs enjoy a cold winter. My daughter lives in Saskatoon, Canada,
where winter temperatures below -30F are common and lilacs are so common
that they are a cliche.

Salt should not be an issue if the potting mix in the container drains
well. You might want to add a little gypsum once a year to help remove
salt from the soil, but salt in the air should not be a major problem.

However, lilacs are woody shrubs that can grow quite large. I don't
think your container is deep enough.

The best source of a recommendation might be a nearby comprehensive
nursery (not a hardware store or lumber yard).

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean, see
http://www.rossde.com/garden/climate.html
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary