HANGING BASKETS FOR AUTUMN
Create a splash of colour to brighten shorter days
THERE is a mistaken belief that baskets and containers are really only meant for the summertime garden. But think again, because what is more appealing than a splash of contained colour to brighten the progressively dank and gloomy days of autumn and winter?
Most winter bedding plants, available now, lend themselves beautifully to container growing.
I want to create a hanging basket that will last through to the spring, so I have chosen a selection of violas and cyclamen, a pink, a variegated ivy and a Muehlenbeckia complexa or Australian ivy with tiny button-like leaves and green-yellow flowers.
Baskets are a good idea in winter because they should get some degree of shelter from the wall they are hanging on, and are light enough to take down and stand undercover for a while should challenging weather conditions arise.
Where possible, use compost specifically created for containers as it will already contain nutrients for several months as well as water-retaining granules to reduce the amount of watering needed. Be sensible when choosing your hanging basket. I opted for a sturdy wire-effect container, rather than a more natural-looking one crafted from banana fibres that I felt would be less likely to withstand months of winter weather.
I also chose one that only involves top planting as there are few trailing winter plants to chose from and they would be more vulnerable to being battered by the wind and rain.