A case for baskets and boxes


basket of roses
Box of astilbes
I could kick myself for the number of baskets I’ve thrown out over the years. They come and go out of fashion, but right now they’re super hot in garden design. They make excellent (if temporary) herb planters and they marry well with colourful annuals like pansies and stock. They make a lovely ‘vase’ too – especially when roses are in the mix. Wooden boxes are equally hot, as you can see in the above creation. Both arrangements are by the talented Susan from Florali. The design with the basket is from here and the wooden box creation is from here.

Plant Now: Astilbes


asilbe

Astilbes are great cut flowers that will grow in sun or shade, but in areas with hot summers they’re best grown in part shade. Their fluffy plumes can be white, red, pink or mauve  and appear in spring and summer. You can use the flower heads in fresh arrangements, or dry them for prolonged use. Just stand them in a vase with about 3cm of water and let the vase dry out. You can buy seeds from Kings Seeds and Egmont Seeds.

This gorgeous photo comes from Style Me Pretty.