Storing container tropical plants

(WTNH) -- Gardner Cathy Testa talks about storing your container tropical plants over the winter.

During our hot and humid weather this year, many annuals have become exhausted from repeat flowering, while tropicals thrive and survive to fall. Tropicals can be over-wintered to reuse every season. This saves you money and multiplies your investment.

You will need Loppers, Hori hori soil knife, peat, vermiculite, shredded newspaper, light weight plastic bag, and cardboard box, brush, and a hose to store your plants.

Testa is a Professional Design of Container Gardens and Landscapes. She owns Cathy T's Landscape Designs in Broad Brook.

She likes to combine nature with art, and has begun selling her container creations and unique plants at the Ellington Farmers Markets this season. She continues to create landscape designs for the do-it-yourself clients and install container gardens at homes and businesses. She also teaches various classes in the fall and winter season, offering various how to hands-on classes.

For more tips, visit www.cathytesta.com