Hanging Bsakets
Even if you only have a small patio or porch, hanging baskets are a great way to enjoy color and beauty without adding more work to our already busy lifestyles. Go to any garden center and you will be amazed by the magnificence of the baskets. Just like in our landscapes, adding a variety of textures, shapes, colors and sizes enhances the interest. Use the classic thriller, filler and spiller combination planting formula. While the thriller plant is not a requirement in hanging basket combinations, it will spark interest. Petunias, like the Easy Wave or supertunias, are great basket performers. The mounding and spreading growth habit is ideal for hanging baskets. If overgrown, simply cut back to rejuvenate. Supertunias are great choices for the filler plants. These plants produce extraordinary amounts of flowers and are self-cleaning, which means you don’t have to deadhead the spent flowers. An added bonus is they are hummingbird magnets. Licorice vine and bacopa are outstanding spiller plants and will finish off your hanging basket. Use controlled-release fertilizer and water weekly. A consistent supply of nutrients will help ensure that heavy bloomers will continue the show throughout the summer. Hanging baskets are an easy way to add color and beauty to any porch or patio. I’m Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.