Wicker baskets, either untreated or painted/varnished, go perfectly with the widest range of decorative styles. We have chosen an untreated rectangular basket for the festive decoration with Christmas Roses and other seasonal plants. It can be used as a balcony trough or window box and is also a charming decoration for a small occasional table. The combination with ivy (Hedera helix), dwarf ivy (Hedera helix 'Erecta'), skimmia (Skimmia japonica) and shrubby veronica (Hebe x andersonii) creates a rural look.
Use impermeable plastic to line the basket and keep the wicker dry when watering. You do not have to secure the film to the upper rim of the basket - the soil filling should provide enough stability.
Be sure to fill the basket with soil only to the point where the root balls of your plants will be level with or below the rim of the basket. Remove the plants from the plastic pots and snug them into the basket without leaving any gaps.
Before planting, you might want to decide which side of the basket you want to be the best side. Arrange the plants as you would people for a group photo: tall ones in the back, the smaller ones in the front. The different structures and habits create a natural-looking and lively arrangement that catches the eye from anywhere you look at it.
In this example of a planting arrangement, the upright dwarf ivy has been placed at the centre and nearer the back, whereas the arching ivy has been allowed to trail from the basket.
Bark and small twigs secured with wire underline the winter look while also adding lively structures.
This basket full of winter delight is an atmospheric Christmas season decoration on the balcony or in your entrance area - and it will also make an ideal present!
For more do-it-yourself instructions, look here >