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Produce => Non Edible Plants => Topic started by: glow777 on April 16, 2008, 13:11:53

Title: Something NOW for baskets
Post by: glow777 on April 16, 2008, 13:11:53
A friend has just bought a pub and want to add a big splash of colour for the opening day - this weekend!.

They have 10 or so empty baskets that can be filled but obviously bedding plants are not ready yet and would be killed by the frosts. What can they put in the baskets (thats not too expensive) that will last a while until the bedding plants kick in.

Glo

PS I must be able to by them as plants from a local source / market
Title: Re: Something NOW for baskets
Post by: betula on April 16, 2008, 13:14:03
Winter pansies will give loads of colour........................
Title: Re: Something NOW for baskets
Post by: GrannieAnnie on April 16, 2008, 13:25:33
force some flowering branches? apple etc?   Guess forsythia and quince are finished there.
Title: Re: Something NOW for baskets
Post by: glow777 on April 16, 2008, 15:30:29
got to be for this weekend unfortunately
Title: Re: Something NOW for baskets
Post by: GrannieAnnie on April 16, 2008, 17:18:41
branches that have buds beginning to swell can be forced quickly with hot water and steamy environment and light.
Also, they can be very cheerful even if they haven't quite opened with their pinky buds, maybe add some big bows in the same color? 
Title: Re: Something NOW for baskets
Post by: manicscousers on April 16, 2008, 17:29:43
the only other things are pansies , primula and primroses, ivy, they're the only things I can think of  :)
Title: Re: Something NOW for baskets
Post by: glow777 on April 17, 2008, 07:29:31
thanks all - now to find a cheap source
Title: Re: Something NOW for baskets
Post by: Rosa_Mundi on April 17, 2008, 22:09:29
You should still be able to find tulips in garden centres. Also double daisies, forget-me-nots and wallflowers.