How to Keep Your Hanging Basket as Gorgeous as the Day You Brought it Home, All Summer Long!
By Dave Zeldon and Ely Schweyer
Remember your Mother's Day hanging basket with its variety of colours, textures, and plant combinations? Maybe there was Verbena cascading elegantly with their colourful star like blossoms, double Begonias for the porch in spectacular shades of reds, pinks, and burgundies, and of course the vigorously growing Petunias and Geraniums, to name just a few. But as the Summer goes on, they just don’t seem to have that same stamina.
To keep your hanging baskets in great shape and avoid the dry, wilted, bald spotted, leggy look that occurs to containers every August, one should follow these easy tips.
Watering
Plastic, fibre, and especially moss lined baskets dry out quickly. They should be checked twice daily and watered every day. Be sure to wet the moss sides as well.
Try to maintain uniform soil moisture. When watering, fill the top of the container with pooling water until it ‘pees,’ and allow it to drip out of the bottom of the basket every time you apply water. Frequent severe wilting will impact upon the quality of the basket.
At this time of year, one could take the basket down and soak it in a tub of water for 20 minutes to hydrate the entire root ball, once every week.
Deadheading
Remove spent flowers on a weekly basis (this is called deadheading) to prevent plants from going to seed. This will encourage more flower production. Part of the beauty of the mixed basket is its prolonged display, just like in your garden.
Check for Pests!
During your weekly deadheading, keep a watchful eye out for aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. If you see any, try a quick spray of insecticidal soap to keep them from becoming an infestation.
🖱️ If you're noticing fungus gnats in your hanging baskets, find more on eradicating them here!
Pruning
Not every plant in the basket will be at its peak all season.
Cutting plants back after a flush of bloom will tidy them up and prepare them for a fresh crop of flowers. Meanwhile, other varieties will begin putting on a show. This is especially true for Petunias.
A good cut back of long, lanky branches will reap benefits.
Fertilizing
Daily watering means nutrients can leach out of the soil before the plants can absorb them. The baskets should have both slow release granular added to the growing media and a weekly feeding of 15-30-15 soluble fertilizer. Use a solution containing micronutrients, as plants like Petunias need extra iron.
Sheltering
It has been suggested, if possible, that during stretches of extreme heat, give your baskets a break and move them to a cooler, shaded spot to de-stress for a couple of days. This is also suggested when heading on vacation. Your flowers will rebound to their former beautiful selves!
We hope this long term hanging basket care guide helps you enjoy your purchase all summer long! For more information - and beautiful plants – visit Eising Greenhouse and Garden Centre! 🌸
There is something about a beautiful cozy sweater that makes cooler weather way more bearable! Layering a new sweater with clothing staples already in the closet can also breathe new life into your wardrobe, and elevate it for the changing season. It can make everything you’re wearing feel fresh again!
Year Round Sweaters
Sweaters are a great way to stay warm and fashionable all year round, especially when you invest in one made from the right stuff. At Sassyfras in Eising Garden Centre, we have Men’s and Women’s sweaters in natural fabrics like cotton, and bamboo which are great choices for several reasons:
- Natural fibres allow your skin to breathe and are less likely to cause overheating. If you’re part of the Hot Stuff club, aka menopausal, that kind of comfort is a definite plus!
- They can be warm without being too bulky.
- These materials tend to be more durable and long-lasting. They are biodegradable and more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.
Sweater Pairings
From a chunky knit to a lightweight turtleneck, there’s a sweater to go with every style and shape.
With flowy pants, a more fitted sweater that’s tucked in or cropped can balance out the silhouette of wide-leg trousers or palazzo pants.
Form-fitting slacks like leggings look great with chunky, or slightly oversized longer sweaters, tunics or cardigans.
For men, choose a casual sweater to wear with jeans or cotton pants. If you’re dressing up, try a fine-knit sweater with dress pants for a more formal outfit.
Overall, sweaters are a great way to add interest with some pattern or texture!
Layering Made Easy
If there’s a perfect outfit for days that start out cold and get warmer, or vice versa, it’s one that’s layered. While it’s easy to grab a coat and head out the door, taking a few minutes to consider the layers you’re using can make all the difference!
- Start with a simple cotton or viscose top, a long-sleeved t-shirt, or a collared shirt. This provides some insulation and is great for moisture-wicking.
- Add a beautiful sweater. A chunky knit, a cardigan, or a pullover. If it’s made from natural fibres, this will provide excellent warmth while still being breathable!
- On cooler days, add a stylish outer layer like a puffy vest, a coat or a jacket. This layer can provide more warmth or water protection plus add an extra element to your outfit.
Accessories Bring It All Together
While you’re in Sassyfras doing your sweater shopping, it’s the perfect time to look for an accessory to bring your look together and make a statement! Here are some ideas to make the most of your outfit:
- For added warmth or a pop of colour or pattern, scarves make excellent accessories for sweaters.
- A stylish bag that matches the overall look and colours can bring together the theme of your sweater outfit.
- Adding a necklace can make a bold statement or instantly dress up a plain sweater.
- Earrings can add a touch of glamour, colour or fun to your sweater ensemble.
- Consider the often-forgotten hat! They can make your outfit more chic, and also keep you warm.
- Mittens or gloves can be both cozy and stylish.
- Colour-coordinated, patterned or contrasting tights are the perfect match with a sweater dress.
- Add a belt to a tunic, sweater dress or cardigan to change the silhouette or shape of your outfit.
Most importantly, experiment and try new things, have fun and find a look that is right for you!