I have a client who will not water her containers. Last year, I had to pull the plants in August because they looked so bad. So this year, now working for myself, I tried a few ideas. I think they helped. First off, I didn't plant them as heavily, with the client's approval.

A. Self-watering containers for one spot.

B. I cut disposable diapers up and tucked them around the bottoms of the urns. Most had roots growing into them when I pulled the plants week before last. I did use some moisture crystals in some containers. But the diaper ones did better.

C. For 2 shallow square planters, I used small clay pots as reservoirs. I plugged the bottom and covered the tops with small plastic plant saucers. There were roots stuck to the clay pots. (It was a bit more complicated, but this will do for now.)

Anyway, it was nice to have plants into September. Few were in great shape, but overall, it was better than last year.