HANGING FLOWER BASKETS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19578, 26 August 1933, Page 11

HANGING FLOWER BASKETS.

Many plants show more to advantage when grown in a hanging basket than they do in the garden or In a pot, and nothing is more charming in summer than rustic baskets filled with suitable flowering or foliage plants. Balconies, porches, and verandahs are much improved in appearance by baskets of flowers and greenery, whilst these can also be used to advantage on arches and pergolas (says “Popular Gardening," London).

The baskets can be of wood or wire, those of rustic woodwork are more suitable for a country house. They should not be too large, as the best way of watering is to take them down every other day or so and dip into a bucket or tank. Being exposed to the sun and wind, they soon become dry, and frequent and thorough watering is necessary for best results. Successful blooming depends largely on watering. Do this in the early morning or at night.

When filling the baskets put the plants in at the same time If you want them to grow through the sides and bottom. Line the baskets with thick moss to keep the soil in and fill with a compost made up of loamy soil and leaf mould or well-decayed manure, with just enough charcoal and silver sand to make it porous. Mix these well together and fill the baskets firmly. The baskets must be hung securely as they are very heavy when filled with soil and plants. The best position for them is in a sunny, sheltered place, away from the wind.

An unlimited number of plants can be grown in hanging baskets. A few annuals may be grown under glass from seed; but most plants are best bought in pots, although cuttings can be taken early in the year or in late autumn for the following season.

The sweet-scented mignonette is always a favourite, but be careful to secure a reliable sort, such as red giant, white giant, or golden machet. Candyturf in blue, rose, and white is useful for the edging, whilst dwarf nasturtiums are invaluable for baskets, as they seldom fail to bloom throughout summer if carefully looked after and all dead flowers are removed. Trailing lobelia at the edge and tuberous-rooted begonias in the centre make another bright arrangement.

Verbenas have Just the rich habit of growth required for hanging baskets. Musk and the finer strains of the large-flowered mimulus are other suitable favourites. Some of the campanulas are delightful for hanging baskets and so are any small plants of a trailing nature, as well as the wellknown mother-of-thousands (Saxifraga sarmentosa). Antirrhinum, fuscia, ivy-leaved geranium, heliotrope, and marguerite are other flowering plants that can be grown in hanging baskets with great success. These baskets look very graceful and charming when filled entirely with ferns and any small-growing ones can be used for this puropse.