Caxton magazines staffEveryone appreciates a present that’s been created with care and love. So this year take a little time and trouble and pot up a container with your loved one’s favourite plants
1. NATURAL CHARM
For someone with a busy lifestyle, a selection of low-maintenance succulents is ideal and very on trend. Vary the colours, sizes and leaf textures to add interest to the arrangement. Plant them in a plastic container with drainage holes before placing them in the basket. The recipient can then either mist them or take the container out of the basket before watering.
2. PICK OF THE PATCH
You can’t go wrong with a container overflowing with herbs. Look for those with similar water and light requirements and choose herbs that’ll appeal to the recipient. A cook will love this combination of frilly ‘Lolla Rosa’ lettuce, ‘Silver Posie’ thyme and rosemary. Or plant a mix of Italian herbs such as basil, oregano and Italian parsley for a pizza lover and a combo of lemon grass, coriander and chilli for those who love Thai foods.
3. A FULL EFFECT
If you want to use containers that don’t have drainage holes, plant your chosen plants in small plastic pots and place these inside the containers so that they can be removed for watering. Colourful annuals like pansies, petunias and verbenas can be planted out in the garden after the festive season.
4. STAYING SINGLE
Less is often more. A single echeveria planted in a container wrapped in hessian secured with string or ribbon makes a simple but personal gift.
5. THE ONCE OVER
Rejuvenate old containers with chalk paint like Annie Sloan’s (no sanding or priming needed) and plant up with a pretty combination of pink dianthus and white violas. Ideal for the flower lover.
