Today 
This combination is reminiscent of Mediterranean holidays and it's ideal if the spot you have in mind for your basket is hot. The rich blood-reds and burgundies of the verbenas and geraniums pulse with colour, offset by the silver leaves of the cascading dichondra, which are even more lustrous in full sun. Water generously - twice a day if it's really hot - and feed regularly to promote plenty of new flower growth and ward off mildew in the verbena.
Plant it:
May - June
At its best:
June - August
Takes just:
30 minutes
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Suspend the basket to make planting up the sides easier and add a coir liner, preferably one with holes in the sides. Fill the basket two-thirds with compost, mixed with a couple of handfuls of water-retaining gel.
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Plant up the sides with two each of the geraniums and dichondra, gently pushing the rootballs through the holes from the outside to avoid damaging the leaves.
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In the centre of the basket, plant the verbenas, and alternate the rest of the geraniums and dichondra around the edges. Add some slow-release fertiliser to the compost.
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Fill up the basket with compost to 2cm below the rim, pushing it down firmly with your fingers as you go. Water in well and allow the basket to drain before transferring it to its bracket.
"If you are an organic gardener, add pelleted chicken manure. This will release nutrients slowly, keeping your basket well fed."
