Landscaping Ideas

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007

Flowers For Hanging Baskets

Thinking Ahead

Hanging baskets have to be planned for in advance. Although it is possible to buy plants in flower for instant impact, this is an expensive option and the flowers are likely to be short lived if they have been forced out of season. As a general rule, you need to plant up your baskets 6-10 weeks before the main season of interest. Spring flowering bulbs, for instance, are sold in autumn and winter and should be planted at that time.

Buying Plants

The best advice when buying plants is to go to a reputable garden centre or nursery. Bedding plants are sold in strips, but larger plants such as ivies, pelargoniums and fuchsias are usually potted individually. ‘Plugs’, basically young plantlets with well-developed root systems, are often sold via mail order by seed merchants; Busy Lizzies, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums and Begonias are often marketed this way.

If possible check the plant before purchase to make sure that it is not harbouring any pests or diseases. Bedding plants should have fresh, bright green foliage, with no hint of yellowing, and should be compact, not straggly. Potted plants should have a good root system.

If you can, slide the plant from the pot. The roots should fill the pot nicely without being tightly coiled. Select plants that have plenty of healthy buds that are not yet open. Bulbs are sold when dormant (usually in autumn and winter). Buy them from a reputable garden centre or nursery and look for firm, plump bulbs that show no signs of withering or fungal disease.

Peterboro Hanging CADDY BASKET, Honey ~ NEW