STEP BY STEP

1 LINE THE BASKET

Place a sheet of plastic or landscape fabric in the bottom of the basket to stop the compost falling out and prevent water draining out too fast. Add a few drainage holes.

2 ADD COMPOST

Half-fill with the potting compost.

3 START PLANTING

Plant the upright Helleborus niger in the centre to provide height. Place Galanthus plicatus ‘Trym’ towards the front edge, so its nodding white flowers can be seen from the side of the basket.

4 ALTERNATE THE COLOURS

Plant the yellow Iris danfordiae to the side of the white snowdrops, then continue alternating the colours with the white and yellow crocus and golden winter aconite.

5 TOP UP THE COMPOST

Firm down the compost around the plants to ensure all the rootballs are in good contact with the compost. Top up with more compost, allowing a small gap at the top for watering. Water in.