A hanging garden with colourful plants and pots is the ideal option if you want to save floor space Have you ever wanted to bring in some co...
A hanging garden with colourful plants and pots is the ideal option if you want to save floor space
Have you ever wanted to bring in some colour to a drab-looking balcony or patio, but couldn't afford the floor space a conventional flowerbed would need? Why not consider a hanging garden? Thanks to innovations in floral display, these striking arrangements are easy to create and maintain, and guarantee a second look from passers-by. A hanging garden can appeal to a large number of people. These arrangements not only save space, but also energy and are easy on the pocket. Since most of these arrangements are at a comfortable height, they are free from pests and minimise any strain related to conventional gardening.
Location
Start by deciding on where you would like to put up your hanging garden. These arrangements can be made indoors or outdoors. They can droop over balconies or drip sensuously over the edges of hanging baskets. A strong branch on the tree outside your door can be transformed into a focal point with bursts of colour attractively arranged in wicker or ceramic. Levels of sunlight and shade would determine the kinds of plants you can use, as also the frequency in watering them. Since these arrangements also disguise imperfections over the facade of your home, they can be strategically placed to balance aesthetics with function.
Plants
A wide variety of plants, ferns or shrubs, annuals or perennials, can be used to decorate your garden. Keep in mind though, that the focus is on colour, and contrasts are a pretty sight. If you would rather have a single colour, try and experiment with lighter and darker shades of the same colour in your arrangement. Variety is the key to keep your hanging garden from looking like a simple suspended potted plant. Ferns balance striking colours with fresh, luscious green that is essential to any floral display. Stick to plants that droop over the edges in healthy bursts of colour or climbers that may grow over the attached chains to accentuate beauty.
Baskets and pots
Contrary to common belief, pots needn't necessarily be dull and unattractive. There are a wide variety in colours, styles and material in the market today and you have the freedom to choose baskets in wicker, wire, plastic, or ceramic. Keep in mind that you may need to line these baskets with moss or coconut fibre to have them retain moisture yet not drip excessively. Choose your line-up of baskets to match the decor of your setting. However, if you decide to do this indoors, ensure that they do not pose a watery threat to your ambience.
Maintenance and upkeep
Maintenance is the key to a healthy garden, as most hanging arrangements require more frequent watering than their terrestrial counterparts. Automated drip systems are available to make work easier when you have multiple displays. Ideally, the soil you decide to put in should be lighter, with greater proportions of compost and coarse sand. Ensure the plants are well nourished by a good fertiliser and maintain a pruning regime if they get too large. To give the perfect finishing touch, choose attractive chains and hooks, available in metal and plastic.
Courtesy: TimesofIndia
Have you ever wanted to bring in some colour to a drab-looking balcony or patio, but couldn't afford the floor space a conventional flowerbed would need? Why not consider a hanging garden? Thanks to innovations in floral display, these striking arrangements are easy to create and maintain, and guarantee a second look from passers-by. A hanging garden can appeal to a large number of people. These arrangements not only save space, but also energy and are easy on the pocket. Since most of these arrangements are at a comfortable height, they are free from pests and minimise any strain related to conventional gardening.
Location
Start by deciding on where you would like to put up your hanging garden. These arrangements can be made indoors or outdoors. They can droop over balconies or drip sensuously over the edges of hanging baskets. A strong branch on the tree outside your door can be transformed into a focal point with bursts of colour attractively arranged in wicker or ceramic. Levels of sunlight and shade would determine the kinds of plants you can use, as also the frequency in watering them. Since these arrangements also disguise imperfections over the facade of your home, they can be strategically placed to balance aesthetics with function.
Plants
A wide variety of plants, ferns or shrubs, annuals or perennials, can be used to decorate your garden. Keep in mind though, that the focus is on colour, and contrasts are a pretty sight. If you would rather have a single colour, try and experiment with lighter and darker shades of the same colour in your arrangement. Variety is the key to keep your hanging garden from looking like a simple suspended potted plant. Ferns balance striking colours with fresh, luscious green that is essential to any floral display. Stick to plants that droop over the edges in healthy bursts of colour or climbers that may grow over the attached chains to accentuate beauty.
Baskets and pots
Contrary to common belief, pots needn't necessarily be dull and unattractive. There are a wide variety in colours, styles and material in the market today and you have the freedom to choose baskets in wicker, wire, plastic, or ceramic. Keep in mind that you may need to line these baskets with moss or coconut fibre to have them retain moisture yet not drip excessively. Choose your line-up of baskets to match the decor of your setting. However, if you decide to do this indoors, ensure that they do not pose a watery threat to your ambience.
Maintenance and upkeep
Maintenance is the key to a healthy garden, as most hanging arrangements require more frequent watering than their terrestrial counterparts. Automated drip systems are available to make work easier when you have multiple displays. Ideally, the soil you decide to put in should be lighter, with greater proportions of compost and coarse sand. Ensure the plants are well nourished by a good fertiliser and maintain a pruning regime if they get too large. To give the perfect finishing touch, choose attractive chains and hooks, available in metal and plastic.
Courtesy: TimesofIndia
