Basket Case

Mrs Trellis from North Wales emails:

Dear Mr Hollyhock,

I greatly enjoy your Naked Blog. The pictures of Foxgloves were lovely.
Could you do a regular embroidery column?


In response, here is the first in our series of Willie Tips for all you gardeners:

From a distance the hanging basket container (above) looks like one of those fibre ones you buy at garden centres.
But if you look closer (below), it's actually an old towel.


Lay the towel in the basket, place a saucer in the base and carefully cut round the top edge of the basket with scissors.
The towelling retains the moisture and holds the soil more effectively than moss. Unlike moss it may last for several years.
You can also use old pullovers or any other wool/cotton material.
This will appeal equally to those who are into recycling and those who just like saving money.
If you are using trailing plants they will obscure the lining by mid-summer.
Even so, when you root around at the back of the airing cupboard for torn towels you might want to avoid bright pink ones. Although they'll brighten up your patio the neighbours might think you're making some kind of personal statement.