Hanging Baskets for Porch and Window 
GROWING PLANTS IN BASKETS OFFERS AN EASY MEANS OF PROVIDING DECORATIONS FOR THE SUM- 
MER PORCH AND THEY CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF OVER WINTER IN THE INDOOR WINDOW GARDEN 
M ANY kinds of baskets are avail- 
able, but in a general way the 
more simple these are the better. 
In the case of most a plainly 
designed basket of galvanized wire is un- 
obtrusive and lasting. Those made of 
split wood are useful for ferns because they 
do not become dry so rapidly. Sometimes 
wickerwork baskets can be pressed into 
service, and one may say that anything 
that will hold soil and hang together could 
be employed. 
In planting the baskets several points 
should be closely observed. First of all 
the soil is a matter of importance; this 
should be prepared according to the plants 
which are to be grown. It is well to make 
the soil a little heavier than is indicated in 
all cases by adding a larger amount of loam 
to the mixture. Of course the 
drainage in a hanging basket is 
always very free and a relative 
heaviness in the soil, such as 
might be secured by the ad- 
dition of good loam, is an 
advantage. To keep the soil 
in the basket it is well to line 
the inside of the receptacle 
with moss or a piece of coarse 
sacking. If the basket is to be 
hung in partial shade a prettier 
way is to use handfuls of such 
a plant as club moss (Selagi- 
nella) or some other dainty 
creeper. This will, in a week 
or so, completely cover the 
outside of the basket. Press 
the soil firmly in order to 
avoid the formation of any 
air holes. In putting in the 
actual plants place the taller 
growing to the centre of the 
basket. The smaller sorts, and 
It is impossible to do more than indicate 
a few subjects worth trying. A few special 
favorites are the Ivy Leaved Geraniums, 
Marguerites, Fuchsias, Lobelias and many 
of the creeping Campanulas, such as C. 
isophylla. The Nasturtiums are also very 
useful and the variegated Zebrina pendula 
is splendid for working in with flowering 
subjects. 
Some very pretty baskets may be 
formed by combining several kinds of 
plants. Thus, Geraniums, Marguerites, 
and Lobelias would look very attractive. 
Of course the number of plants accommo- 
dated depends entirely upon the space 
available, but the subjects should not be 
unduly crowded at the start. Several 
creeping wild plants, such as the Blue 
Linaria ( L . canadensis), the common small 
Field Bindweed (Convolvulus 
arvensis),or with a good-sized 
basket the great Bindweed (C. 
sepium), are very attractive 
subjects, and when grown in 
this way few people would 
recognize them as troublesome 
weeds. Use strong growing, 
well - established specimens, 
and, even with annuals, trans- 
plant. The Boston fern in 
its many varieties will afford 
plenty of material for porch 
baskets. Ferns suitable for 
baskets include many species 
and varieties which may usu- 
ally be purchased of the retail 
florist who makes a feature of 
filling fern dishes, etc. The 
larger plant growers list in 
their catalogues many suitable 
plants that can be had in 
pots to be transplanted at any 
time. 
Before putting in the soil, line the inside of the basket with 
moss 
Creeping plants should be put near the rim of the basket, the higher growing things in the 
centre 
A suggestion for a shady corner of the piazza. Ferns from 
the woods 
those which will ramble over the sides of the 
basket, are to be inserted right on the edge. 
Press down each plant well, and when each 
basket is finished put into a cool shady 
position for at least four days. Many of 
the plants will die if the baskets are at once 
hung up in the sunshine. When the plants 
are established the baskets may be sus- 
pended in their permanent position. From 
thenceforward watering is an important 
matter which must receive regular atten- 
tion. The best plan is to dip each basket 
into a bucket of water for a few minutes, 
making this a daily practice. Syringing 
overhead will also be very much appre- 
ciated. To keep the plants in flower pick 
off the dead blossoms as fast as they appear. 
After about the middle of the summer the 
plants may show signs of flagging a little. 
At this season an application of weak fer- 
tilizer solution, such as guano water once a 
week, will prove very helpful. Unless the 
baskets are in a very open situation it is a 
good plan to turn them round every few 
days so that all sides receive an equal 
amount of sunshine. 
Fuchsias and lobelias give a long succession of bloom and 
will also endure shade 
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