Winter Hanging Baskets

Change to winter hanging baskets at the end of summer. Don't just empty the basket and leave it in the shed to hibernate - give it a new lease of life.

From September onwards garden centers sell a range of small evergreens such as miniature conifers which are ideal as replacements for taller bedding plants in the center of a basket. Around these plant colourful heather's, winter flowering pansies and pop in some dwarf bulbs ready for the spring. As a finishing touch put trailing Ivy round the edges.

The basket will look lovely from autumn through to late spring and will need less care than the summer baskets. There's no need to feed it you just need to water from time to time.

Don't give up on your window boxes either. One of the simplest schemes is a mass of winter flowering pansies underplanted with bulbs such as dwarf narcissi or rockery tulips. To add height and extra interest you could also put in some of the small evergreens, golden leave forms look bright and cheerful.

For information on summer hanging baskets Click winter hanging baskets