blooming summer arrangement featuring poppies and sanguisorba in a meadow setting

In a charming initiative, the Beimisch garden in Germany has been transformed using small wicker baskets, not just as decorative pieces, but as habitats for a variety of flora and fauna. This innovative approach not only adds a touch of beauty to any space, but also fosters biodiversity.

The key to a successful wicker basket garden lies in the choice of plants. For the most part, grasses form the bulk of the display. A compact grass, Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails', with its soft, feathery leaves (60cm x 30cm), is an excellent choice. To create a similar look, fill the majority of the basket with grasses and then thread through the flowering plants.

Grasses, along with sanguisorba and poppies, will continue to look good well into late autumn and winter. Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder', for instance, boasts dark-maroon flowerheads on slender stems, while Scabiosa caucasica 'Fama Deep Blue' offers a mound-forming perennial with green-grey foliage (60cm x 45cm).

Wildflowers such as harebells, cornflowers, wild carrot, and ragged robin can also be added to the display, providing a splash of colour and variety.

To maintain the garden, it's essential to keep the basket damp, but not waterlogged, throughout the winter. This ensures the display will reappear next spring. When the grasses begin to look tatty, shear over the whole basket, leaving a couple of centimetres' growth. Deadheading the scabious and dianthus as blooms finish will extend the flowering period.

To protect the wicker work, line the basket with an old compost bag. For drainage and stability, add a layer of gravel to the base. These plants are happiest in full sun and don't need a lot of water, but it's important not to let the container dry out completely.

For a shady situation, foxgloves, aquilegias, and cardamines can be used instead. This versatile garden can be placed on a table, balcony, or even used as a window box, making it an ideal solution for those with limited outdoor space.

By opting for perennials, a sustainable option that comes back year after year, not only are you creating a beautiful display, but you're also contributing to the environment. So, why not give the wicker basket garden a try and welcome a touch of nature into your home or garden?

blooming summer arrangement featuring poppies and sanguisorba in a meadow setting