Hang ’em High

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Rich Binsacca

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Even simple hanging baskets add vibrant color that can last all season.

Chances are when you think “container garden,” you picture pretty pots arranged beautifully at ground level. But why stop there? Take your container garden to a new level by hanging planters or tacking some decorative containers onto a wall. By going “up,” you’ve got a host of new opportunities to add color, attract attention and express your personal gardening style – vertically.

Just think of all the places you can add hang planters for added color and texture: sidewalls, door openings, tree branches, verandas and arbors (just to name a few). On the practical side, plants suspended at waist or eye level are often easier to water and care for than those in or on the ground. And you just may be able to spot pests and diseases earlier when they’re staring right at you. Raised plantings are also great for gardeners with physical limitations and for folks who would prefer not to crouch or dirty their knees.

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Use hanging plants in open garden spaces to add complementary textures.

A major consideration of hanging plants, of course, is their weight. Even when using lightweight wire baskets, moss and soil mix, a fully planted and watered container can be hefty. Always make sure you use durable chains, hooks and wires, as well as heavy-duty fasteners. And safely secure baskets to strong structural components, such as the beams of a covered porch, deck posts or the studs of a sidewall or doorframe.

Of course, there are many other details to take into consideration when adding any kind of hanging planter to your garden. Probably first and foremost is the type of planter to use and where to put it. The key is to make sure your container of choice enhances your space and stays in scale with it.

There are several types of hanging planters available. One of the most popular is the open-wire variety that’s made of medium-gauge metal mesh. This type allows wide gaps and permits trailing plant to grow through the sides and bottom. (Most hanging basket plantings quickly grow to eventually obscure the container, climbing over and draping down from it, offering lots of lush color and beauty all season long.)

Warnings

Hanging planters can be heavy – especially when they’re watered. Make sure all cables, chains, fasteners and structures can safely support the full weight of your planted and soaked container before installation.
Remember that hanging plants suspended with chains or cables will rock back and forth in the wind. Make sure their location allows them to swing safely and freely, without hitting people, windows, walls or other structures.

Tips

Hanging planters from tree limbs is a unique and beautiful way to add more vertical color to the garden. When hanging a container from a tree, use a plastic tube or rubber sleeve around any cable or chain that will be slung around the tree limb. This will protect your tree from chafing and cutting.

Faqs

Q: What are some good annuals to use in hanging containers?
A: A few good ones include wax begonia, baby blue eyes, blue star creeper, fuchsia, ivy geranium, impatiens, monkey flower, nasturtium, common garden petunia, phlox, garden verbena and wishbone flower.

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