You will want

to install your hayrack in its desired location before planting. Each

situation will require a different fastening method. Remember, hayracks

are quite heavy after soil is added, so be sure to fasten your hayrack

securely.

Wood siding

and wood railings require plated lag bolts or screws. Masonry will require

a masonry drill bit and plastic anchors for masonry bolts and washers.

Once your hayrack

is installed, fill it to one inch below the coco liner with a suitable

planting medium. For containers use a light potting mix with good drainage.

Often soilless

mixtures are best: They offer no nutrient value, but the "soil"

will not become compacted and strangle the roots. An added benefit is

that soilless mixtures are lightweight and free from soil-borne diseases

and weed seeds.

After filling

to one inch below the coco liner, add a slow release fertilizer to ensure

good plant growth. If you have installed your hayrack in a sunny location

or if you just want to cut down on your watering requirements, you may

want to add Rain-Mats to your hayrack.

Simply place

them at the root level (approximately one inch from the bottom) creating

a stable reservoir into which the roots can grow. This reduces the need

for frequent watering.

To create a

dramatic planting immediately upon installation of your hayrack, you will

want to consider:

Proportion:

If you have chosen a very large hayrack, choose plants that are in proportion

to the hayrack. For immediate impact, choose plants that are large enough

not to look dwarfed by the hayrack.

Plant Needs:

Water, Shade or Sun It is best to choose plants that have similar needs.

Do not mix sun-loving plants with shade plants or plants that prefer to

be water-logged with drought tolerant plants. Herbs are perfect plants

for sunny locations and some shade situations. Herbs will add texture,

aroma, and are good edge fillers or can provide a trailing effect.

Color, Shape

and Texture: Color affects us psychologically. Warm colors (yellow,

orange and red) stand out at a distance and give the impression of warmth,

excitement and urgency.

Cool colors

(blues and greens) tend to disappear at a distance, creating a cool feeling

that calms and soothes. Warm colors are often used as accent plants while

cooler colors are used as backdrops and fillers.

Designers generally

use one of four color schemes: analogous, complementary, monochromatic

or polychromatic. An analogous scheme consists of two, three or four colors

that are neighbors on the color wheel, such as blue-green, blue, blue-violet

and violet. This will create a mood that is peaceful and gentle.

A complementary

scheme uses two colors that are directly opposite on the color wheel,

such as yellow-orange and violet-blue. This will be dramatic and stimulating.

A monochromatic scheme uses only one color plus its own shades and tints;

for instance, blue plus blues with various amounts of black and white

added. This is tough to create in a garden but easy in a container. A

polychromatic scheme includes colors from all around the color wheel using

the green foliage as a harmonizer.

Shape or form

is the characteristic of a particular plant. Is it round, conical, weeping

or trailing, upright or spreading? It is the shape that helps you create

a strong framework for your planting.

In any garden,

including a container garden, you need a focal point. An upright plant

will give you a vertical focus and your eye will be drawn to it first.

Trailing plants off the edge of your planter will soften the edges and

create a more finished look.

Plant texture

is divided into three categories: fine, medium and coarse. Textural contrast

can be even more effective than color contrast. Plants that are described

as fine in texture are those that are quite soft, and often have many

delicate flowers, such as lobelia or baby's breath.

Medium-textured

plants tend to have some distinct shape such as geraniums or flowering

tobacco. Coarse plants are those with very distinct textures such as ornamental

cabbages or large begonias.

You can create

a bold display by combining trailing blues and yellows with columnar spires

and feathery foliage. Use your accent plants in the center with complementary

plants surrounding it and trailing herbs or lobelias softening your edges.

If you want

to create instant impact with your hayrack or hanging basket, pack it

full of plants. Leave no unused space in the planter and you will have

a very dramatic planting.

As long as

you provide what the plant needs enough room for its roots, water, nutrients

and sun or shade any plant will work in a container. So be creative! Plant

what you like. And remember, your local nursery can help you select plants

that will thrive in your area.

For more information

on planting ideas or to purchase planters, visit www.gardenartisans.com .

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