Add serious kerb appeal

A hanging basket filled with flowers, fruit or herbs always looks good by your front door

- With DAVID DOMONEY

Hanging baskets are a striking garden feature throughout the year, and spring is a good time for a refresh.

After a long winter, they bring colour up to eye level and above, making even the smallest spaces feel more inviting, be it a bare wall, by a door, on a balcony or in a quiet patio corner.

CHOOSING YOUR BASKET

There are more options for hanging baskets than you might first think.

Solid-sided ones are often easier to plant, holding moisture a little better too, which is always helpful once the weather warms. Traditional wire baskets give a classic look, particularly when planting from all sides. Wicker and wooden styles can look striking too, with good drainage.

I would suggest going slightly larger than you first think, just to be sure you have enough room for your plants.

BEFORE YOU PLANT