Suggestions please for my fence baskets

jannabelle1 · ‎09-12-2010

Here's my situation: we have 6 metal flower baskets attached to the inside of our 4' patio fence, and 3 baskets on the outside of the deck railing upstairs. The baskets range in length from 24" to 36" and are lined with coco liners (spelling?). My problem is that every spring I need to change out the liners because they are shredded from the winter and also from the birds pulling pieces out for their nests. It's a huge pain in the neck for me because I have to scoop out all of the soil from the old liners before I can get them out of the baskets, put the new liners in, and refill with soil/potting mix. I can't just lift the old liners out because they are really heavy will the soil - especially this spring because of all the rain we've had.

My question is this: do any of you use these baskets with the liners, and if so, do you have an easier solution that you'd suggest? Do you pull the old liners out in the fall? I'm 72 and am thinking that it's not worth all of the effort every year. DH can no longer help me because of his COPD. The patio is surrounded by large trees and it's my sanctuary for relaxing. I hate to think about not planting my flowers in the baskets, but it's really getting to be too much. Maybe I just need to remove some of the baskets! Thanks for any suggestions or experience you might have.

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

@jannabelle1 : remember there is a lot between All and Nothing.

Start with one or two baskets on the inside of the fence where YOU can enjoy the flowers.

You can always do more later if you choose. You may find that you are happier with just one or two. Don't make a chore for yourself. With many things I find that Less is More.

You may also decide to scrap all the baskets and just buy one or two baskets already planted and ready to go. What may have worked in the past may be best left in the past.

It's probably looking at all those empty baskets that is stressing you out. If that's the case. let them go ASAP. Life is too short. Bring on the joy that flowers should provide. I am all for the instant gratification of buying a couple of lovely hanging baskets for my home.

FastDogWalker2 · ‎03-10-2010

I have two suggestions. Maybe, if you can, go through the process of emptying the liners one more time and consider replacing them with already potted flowers that don't require replanting with additonal soil in the coco liners. Maybe just put the pots in the holders without actually replanting them. At the end of the season, you could simply discard the pots and not have to remove loads of soil. My second idea would be to replace the rail planters with rail planters that don't have the coco liner. I have some railing planters that are made from metal that I purchased at Walmart. I did fill them with soil and plant flowers but I could have just put in already potted plants if I had wanted too. I totally understand what you are describing as a lot of work but I, too, understand that the payoff is a good one. I hope you come up with some great suggestions.

jannabelle1 · ‎09-12-2010

@FastDogWalker2and @queendiva, thanks so much for your comments and suggestions. I do appreciate them. It's just too much the way it is, and it's not really necessary in the scheme of things. A couple of the baskets would be fine....a total of 9 is overboard. My sweet hubby put them up and took care of them when he was able to. Things are different now, as you point out, and it's time to make a few changes. You've both given me some ideas - reduce the number of baskets and concentrate more on the ready to hang baskets and a few large pots. Again, thank you...I needed that!

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

My outdoor area is just a small deck in the back and the front walkway.

I did my flowers over the past 2 weeks, a little at a time. The two deck rail planters remain and I am seriously considering taking them down this year. Really not needed. I can probably do well without the added expense and maintenance, as I suggested to you. I can always plant them again in the future.

fthunt · ‎12-24-2010

I feel your pain for having to make a change from what you've had and loved........but time changes things. My hubby used to climb a metal roof size ladder to (please me) to hang pots of big pink Impatience. They were beautiful hanging outside out large screened porch - but as health failed I refused to let him continue. Footing on ladder was ify at best. So, no broken neck nor back................just smaller pots of plants here and there.

You'll still be happy..........................

fthunt · ‎12-24-2010

Perhaps I missed something..........but wondering why you don't just dump dirt and liners out in the Fall. Pull out empty pots in Spring and fill with new liner and dirt. That way don't have to remove soil and then put it back in pot. That's what I do......

Plants shouldn't use last year's potting soil - disease and bugs have violated the soil by end of summer.

Start fresh....................................

jannabelle1 · ‎09-12-2010

@fthunt, time changes a lot of things and I should know that I can only do so much that he used to take care of. I think I was looking for a quick fix, but in my heart I know it's time to make some changes to downsize all of these baskets and flowers. I guess I just needed the impetus to recognize it's the best thing to do. Thanks to all of you for your comments and suggestions. I have enough plants to fill three of the patio baskets and I'll empty the other three of the soil and old liners - and they'll remain empty. And next year, I'll downsize further.

jannabelle1 · ‎09-12-2010

@fthunt, that's probably what I should have done - empty the dirt and liners in the fall. It probably would have been easier to take care of it in the fall, and I think that's what I should have done. My problem is that I have too many fence baskets. I appreciate all of the comments....it's time for me to scale back!