How to Design Hanging Planters

One way to decorate your garden, patio, stairway or other outdoor area is by creating vertical gardening. And the best way to do this is by hanging planters. You can suspend containers from roofs, railings, posts, overhangs and other structures. Hang a whole series of planters to make a flexible wall or position single hangers in strategic positions. Here are some suggestions on how to design hanging planters.

Instructions

1. The simplest way to construct hanging planters is to use pots with drainage holes and trays. You can use various materials to hang your containers. Chain can be purchased in varied sizes and formations. Ropes can be twisted to be decorative. You can knot ropes and strings to tie elegant macramé hangers adding bead work or other interesting pieces of hardware. Any length of material that can be securely fastened to suspend the weight of your pot can be used. You can even find decorative nets to slip your pot into and hang the corners of the netting.

2. A pot can be covered with a basket, fabric, plastic or any other decorative covering. You can even paint your pots. Or use any interesting container that is strong enough to support your soil and plant - making sure you provide drainage holes. You can even build your own pot with wooden slats and line it to hold soil. Make sure you don't use a container that is likely to fall apart over time or seep toxic chemicals. Recycle enamel pots or old ceramic bowls with drainage holes drilled. And it's a good idea to add a tray beneath to keep water from dripping through the bottom if you are hanging your planters where water can stain below.

3. By designing interesting placement, choosing decorative hangers, and using ornamental containers or container coverings, you can design wonderful hanging planters. Just make sure you always attach your pots and/or planters securely so they stay safe over time and won't come loose even in high winds. Then decorate your space with beautiful hanging gardens.

Resources

• Landscape design and gardening information