Gardening is a Ball

It is showering outside which is good for the plants, and I am doing OK


There are so many blogs that are instructional and post recipes, crafts, medical advice, travel information and the like.  I am really not qualified to do any of the above.  I am a so-so cook and by that I mean, "so, that was SURPRISINGLY good", or "so, maybe we should dump this meal and go out to eat.  My hands don't work as well as before so crafts that include any pointy objects or tools are to be avoided as I wish to stay away from emergency rooms as much as possible.  My traveling is limited and my only advice about that would be to take a sleeping pill or a stiff drink as soon as you get on a plane.   Flying is very uncomfortable.  I would enjoy globe trotting so much more if Scotty could only beam me up.

No, I can't sing and I can't dance and my hula hoop days are behind me.  However, I do have lovely gardens.   I know I over-plant and sometimes my enthusiasm for new found species can get the best of me, but all in all, I do have fun.

A few years ago, I noticed that the large plants which hang from posts in our local town had a variety and abundance of flowers coming out from all sides.   I investigated and saw that holes were made on the sides and bottom of the pots, and plants inserted here, there and everywhere.  I then saw an article in a magazine showing how to do this.  I have been making them now for about three years.  The ones that turn out well are splendid, and the ones that don't meet expectations, are still quite beautiful.

The following is my first (and probably last) DIY How To:

Step 1:  Buy 2 coconut moss lined hanging planters. Remove the chain from the planter that you will use on top. You will only need the chains attached to the bottom pot.  With a Sharpie pen, mark an X in all the spots where you want to place a plant. Either cut holes or cut out an X and pull sides out.   I suggest you stagger these holes, one high, one low (although I did not do this on one of the containers).  I also cut out the very top circle and the bottom for plants that I will insert at the end of the process.

Step 2:  Choose the plants you wish to use.  Smaller ones from market packs work the best. Push them through the holes you have cut out. You want the holes big enough so the plants have room to grow.  However, do not make them too large or flowers will fall out.  Add soil, and include some Soil Moist and fertilizer. Fill completely, pushing down hard so the dirt is tight in each planter.  Thoroughly water and again pat down.  Make sure dirt comes to top edges.

Step 3: Get a large piece of cardboard and lay over the planter that will go on top.

Step 4: Holding cardboard tightly, turn planter over and set on top of bottom pot.  Slowly, pull away the cardboard. 

Step 5:  Wire planters together.

Step 6:  Shoo away any wandering nosey neighbors.  They will sit on the cardboard and eat you out of house and home.

Step 7:  Adjust all the plants and put in flowers on the top hole.  Make sure your chain is not in the way and breaking any foliage.

Step 8:  Hang in an area where all sides can get light and is not against a tree or wall.  Place your reserved plant in bottom hole.

All kinds of plants can be used and mixing types can make a beautiful display.  The one I am showing is just Impatiens, but it is a nice spreading plant and you can get a wow effect just sticking with one species in a few colors.

and Viola, in about 6 weeks, you will have something like this.

Minus my granddaughter Poppy

                                       

And granddaughter Sophie

             
                                               

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