SUGGESTED BASKET PLANTINGS

   The container's size and location together determine the kind and size of plants that will do well in it. An angel-wing begonia like 'Helen W. King' will put on a magnificent show of flowers in a 4-inch pot, placed inside a 5- or 6-inch hanger. Larger baskets may be planted to as many as four plants of the same variety, for balance. Episcias start well this way; and they can be encouraged to cover the basket by hairpinning the stolons to the soil or into the sphagnum moss, where they will take root.

   A mixture of plants can be effective, but in one container mix only those kinds which like similar growing conditions. Dry-growing peperomias, for example, will rot in a basket kept moist enough for ivy; shade-loving ferns will blister in the sunlight that pleases sedums. A selection of tropical plants-all of which like moisture, humus, and humidity-can be a delight, and can thrive. A general planting rule for mixed baskets is to place an upright accent plant in the center. Edge the basket with vines and trailers. Place low-growing flowering and foliage plants between the vines and the accent plant.

   For a sunny site outdoors in the summer, center a large basket with Aloe serrulata, add dwarf geraniums, and edge with variegated Vinca major. For a shady nook use a fern in the center, upright tuberous begonias for color, and Hahn's English ivy to cascade over the edge. Before incorporating window-grown plants into outdoor basket plantings, set them in a sheltered part of the garden for a few days to harden off. Otherwise the sun and wind may damage them.

   Although I have made and enjoyed many kinds of hanging baskets, one of my favorites is planted with African violets. In the winter I suspend it from the ceiling in front of a sunny window; in summer it decorates the lath house, and sometimes the terrace. Some growers like to plant African violet baskets with an assortment of varieties and colors. I prefer those planted with a single color of free-blooming plants. An established basket appears to be a ball of flowers and leaves.

   While common philodendrons, grape-ivies, and pothos are easy to obtain for hanging baskets, many other plants will give more interesting effects. The accompanying lists will suggest some of the less usual kinds. Certain ones are large plants, others are small; some grow fast, others slowly; some bloom attractively, many are primarily foliage plants. For more complete descriptions of unfamiliar ones, see Part II of this book.