Hanging baskets have now been transforming gardens both indoor and outdoor and have become quite popular especially for the homeowner who may be downsizing or a someone with a small space. By carefully selecting unique plants your garden can be transformed into a lush atmosphere for you to enjoy. Distinguish your space by choosing from full bloom to greenery or drought-tolerant plants. Some plants require more care that others and if your lifestyle is too busy for planting choose drought-tolerant which require minimal care.
Choose the Right Environment
A good way is to experiment with different plants that you enjoy. Selecting plants that have a lot of root system and will grow extremely large and overpower the planter would not be a good choice. Some plants enjoy shade and other prefer direct sunlight. The soil must be right and loose enough for water to penetrate and flow out easily.
With so many selections of hanging baskets from metal to terra cotta, ceramic and plastic knowing which one to choose can be difficult. While ceramic pots are aesthetically beautiful, they break easily if not handled carefully. The plastic ones seem to last the longest. These factors must be considered when making your choice of plants.
Plant Categorization is Helpful
For optimal growth consider which plants require full sun and which require shade. If your home gets a lot of sunshine choose based on this information or minimal sunshine, then choose those plants accordingly. Cascading plants like Pothos requires bright and also indirect sunlight while Verbena will need a lot of sunlight for most of the day. The Boston Fern makes a great addition to any planter lush and green and is known as an air purifying plant which enjoys indirect sunlight. Add a flowering plant with various colours in this arrangement and what you are left with is a stunning piece.
The Petunia Amore plant makes a good choice for a hanging basket. It is vibrant with a variety of colours with full bloom and blends well with other choices of plants and will need to be drained but will tolerate some moisture. Other plants like the Tradescantia Zebrina makes an excellent choice for hanging. It a tropical plant that is used for borders with green and purple leaves. Best in indirect sunlight and will not tolerate too much moisture in the soil and needs to be dry before watering.
Should Planters Have Drainage Holes
Planters need to have holes for proper drainage to avoid root rot, bacteria, and fungus. It is recommended when placing plants in any container that the soil should be well-drained to promote a healthy plant. Try adding coconut fibre a natural covering taken from the coconut which helps to absorb some of the moisture and also keep the plant hydrated during watering periods.
Conserve Water with This Method
The elevated position of plants is a great way to conserve water. By placing other plants below or using the vertical method of planting. It saves on time and is economically beneficial to the gardener and the environment. Another method is to use a self-watering device that slowly dispenses the water into the container. With the advancement of technology, devices like drip-irrigation are programmable if you are away for long periods or forgetful in watering your plants, they are a good choice for indoor and outdoor use.
Create style with your Imagination
Once the plants have been placed in the container and ready to hang. Place them on porches partial or full sun. Patio’s, fences, balconies, gazeboes which are generally not private. A good way to ensure some privacy is to use the cascading plants as curtains by placing them in strategic positions and in close proximity to each other, eventually it will form a dense hideaway to create some privacy in the gazebo.
Adding a hanging plant to your garden with the use of vertical structures or hanging them on trees will help to enhance the outdoor space. For plants that prefer shade, the trees will act as a covering while having access to some sunshine that will not overwhelm them. With the use of hooks, you can place the plants practically anywhere. At the entrance to your front door. Create a splash of colours in full sunshine with Petunias create stunning colours with vibrant purple, reds, white. Or created a hanging basket with Begonias which will tolerate indirect sunlight but blooms petite beautiful flowers.
I have made some selections which seem to do well in hanging baskets or containers. They can be placed in full or partial sun and their success will depend on the care that is given to them.
- Lobelia can be found in a variety of colours red, white, purple and a stunning blue. They will tolerate full or partial sunshine.
- Angelface Angelonia a cascading plant that is sure to enhance your garden space that enjoys warm and dry conditions.
- Aromance Mulberry fragrant and attractive to pollinators. Will give your garden a wonderful calming sent of fresh flowers in bloom. They can be found in varieties of yellow, orange, and white.
- Sunbini or Creeping Zinnia expect this plant to be in full sun for several hours during the day and partial for the remaining.
- Lantana Camara requires sunshine and makes a good addition as a pollinator.
- Geranium expect this plant to produce a lot of foliage which makes them attractive for hanging containers. They will thrive well in hot weather but must have adequate water and the removal of the dead flowers for the plant to continue to do well.
- Impatiens found in so many varieties and colours will continuously bloom for the summer. It will flourish in either partial or full sunshine. Adequate water and a good drainage will keep the plant at its best.
Fill your container not just with flowers but create herb gardens both indoor and for your outdoor space. Your kitchen makes a great space by providing easy access to these herbs while cooking. Thyme very popular in stews, soups, stocks and meats, Rosemary a pine scented herb and quite popular for meats and as a hair treatment. If this pruned frequently will adjust in a container. Mint is available in many varieties and is best in containers as it spreads and will take over your garden. Basil excellent in sauces or as an infusion in oils.
Let your hanging baskets transform your space into a garden's delight by using vibrant colours and by adding different textures. Some hanging baskets are constructed better than others and this will depend on how much you are willing to invest in this project. Do not be overwhelmed with the cost of basket because it is the content that is being presented. Your preference of plants will determine the outcome of your hanging basket creation.