Hangingaround this Summer

Heather Marsh on hanging baskets and how to create your own eye-catching display

NOTHING FIRES ME UP LIKE the glorious Chelsea Flower show and on the back of that, June marks the onset of summer. For me, just like slipping on my first summer dress, nothing quite defines the season like the ubiquitous hanging basket. Who can fail to admire these head-turning extravaganzas? Big, blousy and a riot of colour is how I like them – perhaps some would say that’s bordering on garish, but I’ve got no time for horticultural snobbery, even if those at Chelsea would probably say that’s not what’s on trend this year. I simply grow what gives me pleasure and you should do the same. The start of June is the perfect time to put up your basket, after all risks of frost have well and truly passed. Hanging baskets can be bought all over, from supermarkets to local green grocers, but you honestly didn’t think I’d be encouraging you to do that, did you? Making your own is so fun, simple and costs a fraction of the price to boot.

n FLORAL EYE CANDY

Getting started The first item you need is a wire basket (with chains for hanging). I know so many baskets these days are now actually plastic pots with hangers to match, but I’m not a fan and if you want to achieve that mass or ball of flowers, a wire basket is the only way. It enables you to put a plant literally anywhere and as your creation will be viewed from all angles, you don’t want any gaps.

Lining your basket is the next job. You can buy readymade cardboard liners but a much greener way to do it is to use moss you’ve scarified from the lawn or even cut up an old woollen sweater. Either way will do the job adequately and ultimately hold water and also insulate the plants from both the cold and heat. I find placing a small plastic foil or polystyrene plate in the bottom with a few holes punched in helps stop the water running straight through. Lastly, fill your basket with a good peat free potting compost, only about threequarters of the way up – remember to leave room for your plants.

What to plant? There’s so much to choose from with seasonal annuals, evergreens, tender perennials, uprights and trailing plants all suited to the hanging basket. If in doubt, plump for a mixture of the old traditional favourites.

The classic petunia is a hanging basket staple – easy to grow, coming in so many varieties and a rainbow of shades that all thrive in full sun. Deadheading these flowers really prolongs the show and if that’s not enough, the petunia is drought tolerant too. For a simple yet effective look, try growing a whole basket of just a single coloured petunia. White is a very popular choice with perhaps some variegated ivy accents… job done!

Begonias are another showy plant whose big flamboyant blooms can take centre stage in any arrangement. Most begonias are considered a tender perennial and are ideal for growing in shade, but need to be lifted and overwintered somewhere frost free if you want to keep them. ‘Million Kisses Elegance’ is a lovely trailing variety perfectly well suited to a hanging basket.

Lobelia is another well recognised annual. Often used as a complimentary filler, this small and dainty flower thrives in full sun, requires no deadheading and only the odd feed. Coming in all shades of blue, violet and white, Lobelia ‘Fountain Blue’ is a delicate pale blue trailing variety that’s particularly gorgeous.

Pelargoniums or geraniums have to be the Royal Marines of all hanging basket flowers, so tough and drought resistant – we’ve all seen these stalwarts flourishing on some sun-soaked balcony in the Med. With hundreds of annual, biennial and perennial varieties to choose from, I still love the standard scarlet red geranium. Teaming it with a royal blue lobelia, some white petunias and a little Creeping Jenny for good measure is a classic arrangement which is easy to maintain and guaranteed to please all summer long.

Fuchsias have to be the queen of all hanging baskets blooms however. With masses of pendulous flowers, varieties come in all shades of pink, red, purple and magenta. Perhaps surprisingly, the fuchsia isn’t that difficult to grow. Give them the maintenance they deserve like regular watering, feeding, deadheading, and a nice sunny spot, and you will be rewarded with their stunning blooms. As a semihardy perennial, fuchsias are best overwintered to ensure their delights for years to come. Look out for the outrageous fuchsia ‘Eruption’ – a real show-stopping variety.

There are so many plants you can put in a hanging basket and it doesn’t have to be any of the above. Why not come up with some of your own combinations or maybe try an edible hanging creation by the kitchen door – filled with delicious herbs or strawberries grown in a suspended basket, or even cherry tomatoes coupled with nasturtiums. I always grow the latter every year just like my mother used to. Nasturtiums don’t ask for much. They thrive in poor soil and are drought resistant too, definitely worth giving them a go, don’t you think?

Care and maintenance

Once you’ve finished your creation that’s not it just yet... regular watering is key, especially in the height of summer and during hot spells, and this can even be once or twice a day depending on your basket’s location. Feeding according to instruction can work miracles… as it says on the tin! But don’t over feed. Finally, deadheading really prolongs flowering and keeps your basket looking healthy and beautiful all season long.

S Independent Family Funeral Directors

Richard and Shannon Jenkins Funeral directors are your local, trusted, independent funeral directors. We believe in being at the heart of the community, providing a first class 24 hour service and building strong everlasting relations with you and your family at this very difficult time.