They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - or at least that's my excuse for nicking any good ideas I see. So I'm hoping that the designers of the Freshly Peppered Garden at this year's Chelsea will feel flattered rather than miffed that I've stolen their great idea of planting up a colander as a hanging basket.
Of course, this isn't the world's premier flower show, just me and the kids in the back garden, so it's a slightly less classy affair. Whilst Aralia used beautiful chains to suspend their decorative plantings, we made do with some twine, crossed our fingers and just hoped it would be strong enough.
We used strawberries as well as a nasturtium plant - you can eat the flowers of the latter, so I felt it was fitting to the whole culinary and horticultural mix - a sophisticated detail I fear was lost on Ava and Oscar.
Now let's just hope it works. I'm slightly concerned the twine will snap and even more worried that it is within the reach of Archie - who is happily reeking havoc on his surroundings as he learns to walk.
Still, if it all goes pear-shaped I reckon my £4.99 colander will scrub up nicely for the kitchen.
How cool is that! Val
Posted by: Valeri | June 12, 2009 at 10:26 PM
A great idea is definitely worth stealing, er, I mean sharing. If the twine starts to degrade and weaken in the weather, maybe you can use wire?
Posted by: Helen at Toronto Gardens | June 14, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Thanks Val!
Helen - good idea on the wire - might just try that.
Posted by: Dawn Isaac | June 15, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Nasturtium and the strawberries are a nice combination... I love using the flowers and leaves of the nasturtium in summer salads and I'm sure your kids will love decorating cupcakes with the colorful flowers. Cheers!
Posted by: Avis | June 16, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Nice idea Avis!
Posted by: Dawn Isaac | June 17, 2009 at 09:11 AM