Wildflower Hanging Baskets?

[Jez]

Originally Posted by artdemole

beware of travellers joy as it is poisenouse and can cause rashes artedemole.

Thanks for tip off, if it's anything like Hops I'd wear a good sweater and gloves!

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Ilex

Hi all,

This year I'd like to get away from expensive, showy and non-beneficial plants in my hanging baskets, etc. Ideally, I'd like to grow perennials that will benefit insects such as bees, butterflies & hoverflies. I'd still like the baskets to look pretty and it'd be great if an evergreen or two could be present for all year round interest. I don't mind annuals either, just looking to cut back a little on cost and maintenance. Thanks in advance,
Graeme

With baskets, both wall and hanging, it's worth taking particular note of a plant's watering requirements as the need for watering is always greater than with soil or pot plantings. Of the suggestions already made, the cranesbills, marjorams and fragaria would seem well suited to basket planting.

CM

[paulinemiller10]

I made a basket with a shrub Ilex, I don't know what its called, it has small white flowers in Spring, and berries for the winter, the bumbles love the flowers in Spring, the birds eat the berries, and a wren used it for sleeping in the winter.
But it does take a few years to grow, it was made with two baskets,and you have to weave the twigs all around as it grows. Pauline.
pic below

[artdemole]

It's a great basket.No doubt lots of pleasure will be derived from diy.Better than ten minuetes on gardeners world.

[Jez]

I agree, what a super looking basket it is!

[artdemole]

Beware of strong winds when basket is near wall.AS basket is full it may get wind damage, I sometimes take them down when that happens

[Ilex]

That's a beauty, Pauline! I'd love to know what it is - any ideas?

Graeme