Topic: winter hanging baskets

[clare]

Hi Folks,

I have just removed my rather sorry looking hanging baskets from the front of my house and was thinking of planting them up for the winter.  I've never planted winter hanging baskets so have no idea what to plant - does anyone have any suggestions?  They'd need to be quite low maintenance so nothing that needs too much care and attention!

Thanks, Clare

[moonbells]

I went for really basic ones - layer of compost, layer of miniature daff bulbs, bit more compost then lilac violas in the top. When the cheapo multicoloured primulas appear in the DIY stores, they are usually very small plugs, so a few of those can be popped into the basket top later on for extra colour, without damaging any of the daffs if they've started to grow.  Dead easy.

If you don't want bulbs popping up then a bit of ivy, maybe an evergreen herb or two so it's dual purpose, and lots of pansies/violas at this time of year. Winter ones are so much easier!

moonbells

[Georgie]

Mine last year was a simple arrangement of Creeping Jenny, trailing Violas and a small Euonomous in the middle.  It helps to deadhead the violas but otherwise maintenance free.  Here's a picture.   :)  G x

[saddad]

Very nice Georgie...
 :)

[lorna]

Hi Georgie I had made a note of your selection, (hope you don't mind Clare) couple of questions, when did you plant up basket, were the plants from seed or did you buy as plug plants? Thanks Georgie.

[Georgie]

Hi Lorna.  I cheated with that one because I bought it ready made last September.  The nursery I bought it from were selling the vaious components (and lots of other things too) in 4 inch pots but it was actually cheaper to buy it ready made.   ;D  I'd say now was the ideal time to make one up.

G x

[lorna]

Thanks Georgie.

[theothermarg]

creeping jenny in the basket is a great ideal my garden is fullof it! i,v grown winter pansys it is the only place they are safe from slugs
marg