Flower arrangement for a sunny summer meadow, featuring poppies and sanguisorba plants

In a delightful fusion of nature and design, a small wicker basket has been transformed into a thriving habitat for bees, butterflies, and insects, while serving as a stunning display of wildflowers and grasses. This versatile container can be placed on a table, balcony, or even used as a window box.

The plants in this basket thrive best in full sun, but they are adaptable and don't require a lot of water. However, the container should not dry out completely. Examples of wildflowers used include Harebells, cornflowers, wild carrot (Daucus carota), and ragged robin. For shadier situations, foxgloves, aquilegias, and cardamines can also be used.

Grasses, such as Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails', with its compact size and soft, feathery leaves (60cm x 30cm), form the majority of the display. These grasses mingle with the flowers and float in the breeze. The Dianthus carthusianorum, Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder', and scabious, with their tall, wiry stems and vibrant flowers, add a touch of elegance to the arrangement.

To maintain the bloom, deadheading the scabious and dianthus as their blooms finish extends the flowering period. As autumn approaches, the grasses will begin to look tatty. At this point, shearing over the whole basket, leaving a couple of centimetres' growth, is recommended.

Perennials, like the ones used in this basket, are a sustainable option for creating meadows that return year after year. To achieve the desired look, a layer of gravel was added to the base of the basket for drainage and stability, and an old compost bag was used to line the basket to protect the wicker work.

For those interested in the origin and more information about the person who designed this garden container with its unique plant selection, it is recommended to look for contact details or credits on the seller's or manufacturer's website, inquire with the garden club or association organizing the display, or contact the retailer from which the container was purchased. Companies like Schütter Behältercenter offer garden containers with planting options but do not always list individual designers publicly. Additionally, garden clubs or associations, such as Obst- und Gartenbauverein Schweinheim e.V., might have event organizers or participants who can provide design details. If the container is part of an exhibition or specialized collection, contacting event organizers or listed contacts, such as named individuals in plant or gardening groups, can yield more information about the designer.

Sanguisorba officinalis 'Red Thunder' is a standout in this arrangement, with its dark-maroon flowerheads on slender stems (1.2m x 60cm). The mound-forming perennial Scabiosa caucasica 'Fama Deep Blue', with its green-grey foliage (60cm x 45cm), adds a touch of elegance and contrast to the overall display.

This wildflower and grass basket garden is not just a beautiful addition to any outdoor space, but it also serves as a haven for pollinators and adds a touch of the wild to your urban environment.