Garden Genius: Elevated blooms
Take your yard to beautiful new heights with vibrant vertical flowering plant displays
Fancy up a fence with a blooming window box
“Attaching window boxes and other planters to porch railings or fences is an inventive way to add flowers to your yard,” says landscape designer Jan Johnsen, author of Floratopia. “This technique lifts plants off the ground so they are more visible, and makes for an eye-catching, linear floral display.” Johnsen suggests nestling roots of pink and purple flowering plants (like angelonia, double petunia, lobelia and geranium) into a contrasting blue soil-filled window box, then hanging the box from a white picket fence. Give plants full sun and keep soil moist. Since smaller-scale containers like a window box can dry out quickly, be sure to check soil often for dryness and water thoroughly.
Perk up a porch with a primrose duo
“Clever birch-wrapped containers suspended on a bare wall are sure to grab attention,” notes Johnsen. To get the look, she recommends carefully drilling a few holes into the bottom of two cleaned-out soup cans (for drainage). Next, cover each in a cut-to-fit piece of craft-store birch paper; wrap with yarn to secure. Drill a hole near the top edge of the can and thread yarn through to create a loop for hanging; knot to secure. Drop a primrose plant into each can and hang from a nail on a wall. Give full sun and keep soil moist.
Add life to a bare corner with a lovely ladder
“Outdoor ladder shelves are becoming so popular because they offer an easy way to elevate and showcase many pots of flowers and decorative items,” says Johnsen. “Plus, the upright displays are perfect for brightening up a forgotten corner!” For a cheery seasonal look, she suggests arranging pots of hyacinths, tulips, primrose, daffodils and forget-me-nots on each shelf, varying colors and sizes of plants for the most interest. For a finishing touch, add a collection of decorative items like tall vases, birdhouses and a watering can. Give plants light shade to full sun and keep soil moist.