89 



CHAPTER IX. 



HANGING BASKETS, 



Growing plants in suspended baskets is one of the 

 most popular modes. We are pleased to note the 

 rapidly growing sentiment in favor of this; although all plants 

 are not suitable for this, yet it requires something of this kind 

 to fully present the beautiful habits of quite a large num- 

 ber of our familiar friends. The style or shape of a basket 

 will be to a great extent in unison with the ideas of the owner ; 

 so also will be the material of which it is made, provided the 

 person makes or has them made ; however at most of the floral 

 stores can he bought baskets made of wood, wire or earthen- 

 ware. The Wood or Rustic Basket is made of an oval bowl cov- 

 ered with knotted laurel roots, etc., and suspended usually 

 with grape vine or cane handles ; they will last for three or 

 perhaps four years. The wire basket is preferable to the 

 rustic, because it is cheaper, and, as when the plants are grow- 

 ing luxuriantly they almost completely hide the basket, it 

 will look fully as well; and again, it is almost impossible to 

 give too much water, as the drainage is so complete. The 

 earthenw^are baskets have at least one advantage; they will 

 not wear out ; consequently, if not broken by accident or care- 

 lessness, they will last for ages. There is such a great demand 

 for this kind of baskets, that the manufacturers rival each 

 other in the production of new designs^ and in the decoration 

 of them. One of the favorite designs is a simile of a log, 

 painted to imitate nature ; it is beautiful and attractive, yet 

 for rare and valuable plants we do not recommend it, as the 

 paint fills up the pores, thereby depriving the plants of the 

 air necessary to their health ; however, it is better that the 

 paint is on the outside only, and the plants will do compara- 

 tively well for a season. And as the baskets should be over, 

 hauled and remodeled twice a year, viz : spring and fall, they 

 can be used, new plants being used for filling; the old plants 

 being re-potted and allowed to recuperate. As we have said^ 

 the above styles can be bought. Many of our culturist^ reside 



