With summer upon us, it's time to get those container gardens going - regardless of how much space you have.

Dynamic Design from Ames True Temper offers you a plethora of choices.

Utilizing a proprietary four-layer lamination process, the planters are extremely lightweight yet three times stronger than standard fiberglass. So, don't worry about throwing out your back if you choose to redecorate and relocate.

Made of Polylam 4, the containers create an attractive, highly detailed finish that replicates the genuine look of many natural finishes, including bamboo, stone and wood.

The containers are also resistant to impact and temperature.

Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and finishes, these planters can complement a wide variety of interior and exterior design themes.

Designs include:

The Modern Loft Collection - Here you get bold and contrasting colors, glossy finishes and simple lines to provide a contemporary look.

The Traditional Collection - Delicate and classic, these planters come in a variety of motifs to please even the most particular of gardeners.

The Hampton Snap-Fit Rim Collection - A beautiful, new design that features the Snap-Fit Rim that fully encloses the rim for an upscale, sophisticated appearance along with strength and flexibility. This collection also features a tapered planter and deck and window boxes in a variety of sizes.

The Toscana Plastic Injection Molded Planter - This collection also offers a patented Snap-Fit Rim design along with an upscale presentation.

Planters range in price, according to size and design, from $5 to $37.

For more information, call 800-393-1846 or visit www.planter.com.

CALCULATE THE SUN

Don't let the wrong light conditions spoil that beautiful garden you've lovingly designed, not to mention the money you've invested.

SunCalc takes the guesswork out of where plants should go.

Many factors come into play when placing plants, including the effects of shade trees, shadows produced by the residence, outbuildings, walls and fences.

Prior to SunCalc, decisions of where to place plants came from an educated guess by a professional or a hope-for-the-best scenario of the novice home gardener.

Here's how to use the SunCalc:

1. Pick a day when you expect a full day of sunlight.

2. Start early in the day (7-9 a.m.) and put the device in the desired location. It is recommended you place it in a pot filled with soil but it can go directly in the ground. Make sure to keep the dial parallel to the ground.

3. Turn it on. When the power is applied, the Full Shade through Full Sun LEDS will illuminate sequentially for about 2 seconds. After that the four LEDS will flash together, indicating sunlight accumulation is in progress.

4. After 12 hours, the SunCalc will stop collecting info and a single LED light will illuminate showing the amount of sunlight received.

Plant tags will tell you what kind of sun they like. SunCalc indicates: Full Sun (6 or more hours), Partial Sun (less than 6 and more than 4 hours), Partial Shade (less than 4 and more than 1 1/2 hours) and Full Shade (less than 1 1/2 hours).

The SunCalc is battery-operated and water-resistant. It retails for around $30.

For more information, visit www.thesuncalc.com.

Maggie Reed can be reached at maggie.reed@copleynews.com; 619-718-5821; or 123 Camino de la Reina, Suite 202S, San Diego, CA 92108.

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