Disease challenges and solutions

The foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) got aphids which made my roommate very sad because it was flowering prolifically and attracting all kinds of friendly neighbours.  I used horticultural oil but they eventually came back.  Then I doused it a couple times a week for a couple of weeks but I just couldn't get rid of them permanently so I removed the plant and began looking for replacements.  

I couldn't resist this Origanum majorana (Marjoram) with its bright green foliage and delicious aroma.  It also provides a contrasting ground coverage to a small Rosemary shrub (Rosmarinus officinalis).

This last addition was an essential requirement for both my roommate and I as we use this as traditional medicine.  Salvia apiana (White Sage)

Adding Tiny Colour

My roommate expressed an interest in ground cover plants with small flowers to add contrast to the rosemary and lavender I had planted.  

Lobelia erinus cvs. The Lobelia is perfect for this animal trough-turned hanging basket because it cascades beautifully.  I used a mixture of cultivars with blues and whites ('Blue Splash & Blue with White Eye').

Sutera cordata 'Snowstorm'. Also a cascading plant but here I used it in a container to
accompany a lavender (Lavandula x intermedia).
Low maintenance with moderate watering and no deadheading required.

Trifolium repens 'Atropurpureum' - White Clover Dark Dancer.  This is a great filler for the succulents.

Cost Challenges

Without a garden I am limited to containers which can get very expensive so I have been looking for creative ways to contain my plants cheaply.  I had already built several planter boxes from old pallets but I wanted some large containers to diversify my options.  While out searching for something pretty to go in a hanging basket,  I found the following at Berkeley Horticultural Nursery.

Fabric sacks made from a porous material which provides excellent aeration and drainage without costing a fortune.

Then I found this one at West Elm with a slightly difference aesthetic and together they have added visual interest in our urban garden.