Are Concrete Pots Safe For All Plants?

Q: Several years ago, my husband and I were given two extremely large concrete pots which we put in full sun in our back yard. I have read that lime from concrete can be problematic for some plants. What would grow well in this type of pot? 

A: I don’t believe there will be any problem with soil pH being affected by the lime in the concrete. After just a year or two, any lime that’s present has been dissolved and washed out. Recently I saw a container like yours that had an upright topiary rosemary in the middle. It was surrounded by pansies at the base. You could do something similar for the summer and use spreading petunias for color.