How to Design a Gift Basket of Flowering Bulbs

Handmade gifts make gift-giving more personal. By assembling a basket of flowering bulbs for any occasion, you can offer a present to someone who will continue to enjoy it for a very long time. The flowering bulbs can be kept indoors or planted outside after they have finished flowering. It is easy to make this type of gift basket; even children can do it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basket , at least 3-inches high Ribbon, 36 to 40-inches in length Plastic liner Spray paint Spray varnish Hot glue gun Potting soil Flowering bulbs Scissors Water

1. Spray the basket with spray paint in a well ventilated area and let it dry; 2 to 3 coats of color should cover the basket and fill any nooks and crannies in the fibers. Allow the basket to dry between coats of paint. Once the basket has dried thoroughly, spray it with 2 to 3 misty coats of varnish to seal it and add a nice finish to the surface. Let the varnish dry between applications.

2. Cut the plastic lining to fit the basket. If a pre-formed liner isn't available, use a piece of plastic to line the basket making sure it comes up the sides to keep water from leaking through. Once the lining is in place, add dots of hot glue to the basket between the basket fibers and the lining. Press the spots in place to adhere the lining to the basket.

3. Choose the flowering bulbs for planting. A variety of colors and types of bulbs will make the basket more interesting. Fragrance giving bulbs can also be used. Pour potting soil into the bottom of the basket and moisten with a little water. The soil should only be moist, not soaking wet.

4. Flower height is an important consideration when planting the bulbs. Tall flowers, such as tulips and irises, should be planted in the outer areas. This way the flowers aren't overshadowed, flower well and maintain a physical balance.

5. Settle the bulbs into the soil making sure not to crowd them. Be sure to place the bulbs root end down. Add additional soil to the basket pressing it around each bulb to secure them in place. It isn't necessary to completely cover each bulb. Moisten the soil again before giving the basket as a gift and attach a small card giving instructions to the basket.

6. Finish the basket by cutting the ribbon into strips. Tie them into knots or bows. Hot glue them onto the sides of the basket in a zigzag style for embellishment or place them around the top edge of the basket.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the bottom of the basket for moisture before giving.
• If the weather is cold when giving the basket, make sure to cover it with plastic or paper prior to going outside. Check the flowering plants for insects before buying them.