Happenings from the Mud Room

Container gardening is a popular and widespread form of gardening throughout many parts of the world. Hanging baskets are perhaps the most popular and date back to the ancient times and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

As gardening has grown in it's appeal new and innovative ways to display plants in containers have developed. These can be used to create different effects and displays to compliment traditional and modern gardens and buildings.

Here we look at 5 new and innovative approaches for container gardening.

1) Hanging cones have grown in popularity and are a contemporary alternative to the traditional hanging basket. They are typically made from woven seagrass, rattan or willow materials and normally feature an integrated liner so are ready to plant up immediately. Hanging cones use less compost than normal hanging baskets and suitable for both summer and winter use. These cones do not support side planting but the use of natural materials means that the look is very different to those of normal hanging baskets. Hanging cones can be used with far fewer plants than most containers so do represent a cost effective way to create a plesant display.

2) Thompson & Morgan flower pouches or Gardman flower drops are made from heavy duty plastic material and feature pre-punched holes in for the flowers. They can be hung from gateposts or fences where normal containers would not be suitable. Their form means they tend to need less watering but can sustain a large number of plants. The pouches are relatively cheap and can reused from one year to another. These pouches are really best used in the summer where you can get complete coverage of the material. Otherwise the effect is not as satisfying when the plastic still shows through the foliage.

3) LBS flower towers feature a rigid plastic base and flexible cylindrical sides with an integrated chain on top for hanging from a hook and bracket or against a wall. These towers have premarked holes for positioning the flowers through. They retain water well due to the materials used and a reservoir in the base. These towers do not need a liner and are easy to use so can be used again and again. The towers are a perfect alternative to a hanging basket.

4) Plantopia easy fill hanging baskets are a variation on the hanging basket theme. They are made from rigid plastic and feature regular holes around the side where flowers can be positioned. These baskets are easy to plant as the name suggests and the large holes round the side mean they can be used with relatively mature plants. As they made from plastic they do not corrode and are claimed to last for many years. They do need to be used with flowers that can provide complete coverage to ensure the plastic does not show through to create the best effect.

5) Polanter vertical planters are a new innovation which feature tall planters featuring holes for the plants and an integrated watering system running from top to bottom. Each Polanter can be fixed securely to a fence, wall or doorway and be extended up to 6ft in length supporting scores of plants. The effect can be stunning and relatively low maintenance once planted up. As the Polanter is made from plastic it comes in a variety of different colours from the more traditional terracotta and dark green to the contemporary lime green or pink. As a result, these containers are being used by designers to create completely new effects for modern houses that were not possible with traditional materials.

In summary, most garden centres can supply a wide range of options for container gardening. Each year more and more new ideas are coming on to the market. Some will fail to take off whilst others will become very popular and a long term addition to modern garden decor. With the choice available the only limit in your container gardening is your imagination so we suggest you try out different approaches to see which one provides the best effect for your garden.

About the Author:

Simon Andrews is an expert author who writes reviews and how to guides on home and gardening products. For more ideas and advice on hanging baskets please go to http://www.hangingbasketworld.co.uk

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