Make a colourful hanging planter

Working on a drop sheet, spray the chains and outside of the frame with primer and leave to dry. Apply 2-3 coats of spray paint, leaving to dry after each coat. 

Reattach the chains, closing the end rings with pliers, and replace the lining, ready to plant up and hang. 

We planted this green hanging planter with fishbone cactus, moth orchid, batwing alocasia, ribbon fern, calathea, devil’s ivy, heart-leaf philodendron and rhipsalis. These hardy subtropical plants like morning sun in spring but will not tolerate full sun, so need plenty of shade in summer. If growing in cooler regions, place the basket indoors or in areas protected from frost during winter.

A sculptural, strappy-leafed cordyline takes centrestage, with pretty daisies in support. Position this blush-hued grouping where it will receive full sun in spring, then move to a shadier spot in summer. We planted it up with marguerite daisy, seaside daisy, heuchera and Cordyline ‘Salsa’.

Combine sunny blooms with foliage in shades of pale green and silver for a fresh and uplifting arrangement. These plants will enjoy morning sun in spring, but should be moved to dappled shade once summer arrives. We used alyssum, bidens, licorice plant, violas and pansies, lamium and Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ plants.

Complement a bright and bold sky-blue basket by planting annuals in violet hues. Dead-head spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering, or you could leave some to mature and collect the seeds for next year! We planted up this hanger with Angelonia ‘Serena White’, violas and pansies, and Swan River daisy.