A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hanging Baskets for Your Pub
A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Hanging Baskets for Your Pub
Hanging baskets, large outdoor plants and other plant displays can be a massive boost to the business of pubs and restaurants.
Making indoor and outdoor spaces a more attractive place to be has obvious advantages, but there are many more you might not have thought of.
In this post we will break down some of these benefits, but first, how do you go about creating a hanging basket?
How to plant a show stopping hanging basket
Create a show-stopping hanging basket for your pub by following these simple steps:
- Choose the right basket: Opt for a wire basket with a liner. The liner helps retain moisture and prevents soil from falling out through the wire gaps. Ensure the basket has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Get the right size: Consider the location where you'll hang the basket. If it's a sunny spot, go for a larger basket for more plants. For a shady spot, a smaller basket will do. Fill the basket with multi-purpose compost, leaving enough space for the plants.
- Select a range of plants: Choose a variety of plants, including filler plants, vibrant flowers, and aromatic herbs. Consider popular plants like white flowers, bright blooms, and colourful herbs. Opt for taller plants as statement pieces.
- Arrange the plants: Create a visually appealing arrangement by placing the taller plants in the centre or at the back. Fill in the gaps with smaller plants and clusters of flowers. Place aromatic herbs near the edges for easy access.
- Hang the basket: Hang your masterpiece securely in the desired location. Ensure it's at the appropriate height of summer when the plants will reach full bloom. Water the basket regularly, especially during hot weather, and use a slow-release fertiliser or liquid feed for optimal growth.
Now that we’ve covered the step-by-step guide to create a stunning hanging basket that will add a splash of colour to your pub's outdoor spaces, let’s go more into detail on some of the benefits of this:
Benefits of plants and hanging baskets for pubs and restaurants
Firstly, plants bring a natural and refreshing touch to any indoor or outdoor space.
They create a welcoming atmosphere and make customers feel relaxed and comfortable. Plants also have the ability to improve air quality by removing toxins and releasing oxygen, creating a healthier environment for customers and staff alike.
Secondly, hanging baskets add a splash of colour and beauty to the pub or restaurant. With a wide range of colours and vibrant flowers, they can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the establishment.
The gorgeous colours and fresh scents of flowers can create a soothing and relaxing ambiance, making customers inclined to spend more time and enjoy their dining experience.
Furthermore, hanging baskets with herbs can provide a selection of aromatic herbs that can be used for cooking or cocktail garnishes. This adds a unique and flavorful touch to the dishes and drinks served, elevating the dining experience and captivating customers with enticing scents and tastes.
Lastly, hanging baskets are versatile and can be placed in both indoor and outdoor spaces, making them suitable for any pub or restaurant, regardless of the available garden space.
With proper care and regular watering, hanging baskets can thrive even in limited sunlight or shady areas.
These decorative elements not only create a pleasant environment but also enhance the overall dining experience for customers.
When's the best time to plant a hanging basket?
Choosing the right time to plant your hanging basket is crucial for its success.
Optimal timing ensures that your plants will thrive and bloom beautifully throughout the season.
Here's a guide to help you determine the best time to plant depending on the type of plants you wish to feature.
For a stunning display of summer bedding plants, the ideal time to plant your hanging baskets is in late spring. These plants, such as geraniums, petunias, and marigolds, thrive in warm weather and will reward you with an explosion of vibrant colours during the summer months.
If you prefer non-tender plants like lobelia, ivy, or fuchsia, it's best to plant them in mid-spring. These plants are more sensitive to frost and cooler temperatures, so planting them when the risk of frost has passed ensures their health and longevity.
For the colder months, consider planting winter plants in early autumn. These include pansies, violas, and cyclamen, which will provide a splash of colour during the colder months when many other plants are dormant.
By choosing the appropriate time to plant your hanging baskets based on the type of plants you select, you'll ensure that they receive the optimal conditions for growth and blooming. Remember to provide regular care, including proper watering, feeding, and deadheading, to maximise their beauty throughout the season.
How to choose the right basket and liner
When it comes to choosing the right hanging basket and liner for your pub's outdoor spaces, there are several options available.
Each type of basket and liner has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Wire baskets are a popular choice for hanging baskets. They are sturdy and durable, allowing for good air circulation and drainage. However, they can sometimes be a bit plain in appearance.
To add a touch of elegance, you may opt for wicker baskets. These baskets offer a more natural and rustic look, but they may not be as durable as wire baskets.
If you're concerned about watering your plants regularly, baskets with water reservoirs are a great choice. These baskets have a solid-sided design with a built-in water reservoir, allowing for self-watering and reducing the frequency of watering.
When it comes to liners, there are a variety of options to choose from. Sphagnum moss liners are popular for their moisture retention properties.
Coco fibre liners are another great option, as they are environmentally friendly and provide good drainage. Thick felt-like liners are durable and long-lasting, but they may not retain moisture as well as other options. Solid liners made of plastic or other materials provide excellent water retention but may require additional drainage holes.
To create your hanging basket, you'll need a few materials.
Start with a wire-frame basket or wicker basket of your choice. Line the basket with a liner of your preference, such as a wood-fibre liner, landscape fabric, or a chosen type of liner mentioned earlier. You may also consider using a plastic water saucer at the bottom of the basket to catch excess water.
For the planting mix, use a high-quality potting soil mix combined with organic matter like kelp meal or compost. Add slow-release fertiliser beads to provide nutrients for your plants throughout the season. Finally, select your plants in 2-1/2-inch pots, choosing a variety of plants that suit your desired style and preferences.
By considering these factors, you can choose the right hanging basket and liner combination that will not only add a gorgeous splash of colour but also provide optimal growing conditions for your plants.
Top 10 hanging basket plants
When it comes to creating a beautiful display with hanging baskets, choosing the right plants is key. Here are the top 10 hanging basket plants that are known for their vibrant colours, trailing habits, and suitability for different light conditions.
- Petunias: Petunias are a popular choice for hanging baskets due to their wide range of bright and vibrant colours. They have a trailing habit and are excellent for adding a splash of colour to your outdoor spaces.
- Lobelia: Lobelia is a stunning trailing plant that produces clusters of flowers in vibrant shades of blue, purple, or white. It thrives in shady spots and is perfect for adding a pop of colour to your garden.
- Geraniums: Geraniums are known for their gorgeous colours, including red, pink, and white. Their trailing habit makes them ideal for hanging baskets, and they thrive in sunny positions.
- Fuchsias: Fuchsias are a popular choice for hanging baskets due to their long trailing stems and delicate, bell-shaped flowers. They come in a variety of colours and are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.
- Bacopa: Bacopa is a trailing plant that produces small, delicate flowers in shades of white, purple, or pink. It is a prolific bloomer and can add a touch of charm to any hanging basket.
- Calibrachoa: Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, is a trailing plant that produces masses of small, bell-shaped flowers in vibrant colours such as pink, purple, and yellow. It is a perfect choice for creating a stunning display.
- Nemesia: Nemesia is a compact trailing plant that produces clusters of flowers in vibrant colours like orange, yellow, and pink. It thrives in sunny spots and is perfect for hanging baskets.
- Verbena: Verbena is a trailing plant that produces clusters of vibrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. It is a prolific bloomer and can add a splash of colour to your hanging baskets.
- Ivy: Ivy is a classic trailing plant that adds a touch of greenery and texture to your hanging baskets. It is versatile and can thrive in both sunny and shady positions.
- Sweet Potato Vine: Sweet Potato Vine is a trailing plant with colourful foliage in shades of green, purple, or variegated. It adds a unique and eye-catching element to your hanging baskets.
These top 10 hanging basket plants offer a wide variety of vibrant colours, trailing habits, and suitability for different light conditions. Whether you prefer bold and bright or soft and delicate, there is a hanging basket plant on this list that will help you create a stunning display.
Commercial Gardening Services UK
As the Uk’s leading provider of commercial gardening and landscaping services, we can manage all of this for you.
Our highly trained technicians can carry out all work to a high standard and in compliance with all regulations. This allows you and your patrons to experience all of the benefits of hanging baskets and other plant displays, all while saving money and time.
We maintain gardens for hundreds of pubs and restaurants all across the UK.
To learn more, drop us a message or request a brochure here.