<p>The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is famous around the world and this distinctive feature is what made the ancient city of Babylon a rare beauty. While recreating this poetic creation may be a far thought, you still can beautify your home with a rather modest hanging garden. It would not require the skill or complex water engineering of Babylon Gardens. It would not look anything close to the picture ‘hanging gardens’ may be bring to mind, but it sure will be a beautiful sight. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Nature lovers around the city often find themselves in a fix when faced with the task of owning a garden in an apartment. While balcony gardens can be life savers, Vijay Raghavendra, proud owner of little hanging gardens in Kammanahalli states that it could be a space eater too. “Why waste a little part of the home, which could be used for drying clothes, or keeping an armchair for the older folk, on balcony gardens, which would require constant maintenance?” he asks. Vijay’s concern is genuine and there are many folks who would give up this space just to be with nature. But if you aren’t one of them, then hanging gardens are your the best option. Even with beautiful balcony gardens, this eye-catching suspended planters can add to the attraction.<br /><br />Minette Ranjit, who runs a plant centre called Green Thumbs provides some <br />valuable information on suspending plants from the ceiling. Minette, with her years of experience, states that there are a number of ways to create suspended plant holders. Most people opt for readily available pots and baskets to hang plants in. She, <br />however, suggests the use of easily found reusable objects like old bottles, tin cans, thrown-away watering cans, useless old shoes or even an old hand bag. They may sound not-so-fancy, but will look great once there are plants growing out of these seemingly strange planters. The trick is to select the right kind of plants, she explains. It creates a tidy outdoor area, that can be placed anywhere — in your patio, outside your house, whichever place suits you.<br /><br />Choice of plants<br /><br />The first thing to keep in mind is the amount of sunlight your balcony receives. For those who do not receive a generous amount of sunlight and warmth, Minette advises planting miniature allamanda, geranium creeper or orange begonia. “Ferns and orchids do well in semi-shade or low-sunlight areas. Ornamental vines like ivy, philodendron, wandering jew, etc do well in low-light areas. All varieties of ferns and orchids are perfect to create a beautiful hanging garden,” she says.<br /><br />Drainage<br /><br />“Drainage is an important factor to consider before hanging baskets/containers; else, the water will stagnate and rot the roots. If the plants are in a low-light area, less or just adequate amount of watering is required,” Minette states. <br /><br />This also depends on the kind of plants you are growing. When the rain gods are being overly kind, check if the soil is dry before watering. Once a day, for most days, is enough. When you choose the plants, always find out how much water is needed and how many times you would need to water it. We would not want dripping or spilling.<br /><br />Like the Japanese <br /><br />The latest gardening trend is kokedama, a Japanese garden art form that uses moss as the container to grow plants in. The word kokedama translates to “moss ball”. It requires removing the root system of the plant and surrounding it in a mud ball, which is then wrapped in moss, tied with strings and suspended from the ceiling. When these moss gardens are hung, they are called string gardens. Tropical plants are best suited for this and bonsai soil can be used to make the string garden. This moss ball can be placed on a platform or hung directly with strings. They make for good gifts as well.<br /><br />Plant hangers<br /><br />Plant hangers need to be very strong to hold the planter and keep it tightly suspended. For DIY lovers, macrame rope hangers are most appropriate. You could put beads to make it look nicer. Beaded plastic, wood and even iron can be used. Hooks are mostly used to keep it suspended, but you could try something new and hang the planters by tying the liners directly. Bring out your artsy side and create your own hanging gardens. Again, make sure to choose bright colours.<br /><br />Wall-mounted receptacle<br /><br />Several wall-mounted planters are available for purchase. It is suited for areas where the floor space is minimum. Wall pot holders and brackets are found extensively in the city. Vertical wall pieces made of wrought iron are the most common. <br /><br />Bamboo and wood are also available. Plants can be placed in these planters alongside the suspended pots. <br /><br />Mosaic wall motifs and other decorative items can be used to enhance the look. Colour is what will give your hanging gardens life. Be sure to choose bright colours that complement the plants.<br /><br />As Minette rightly states, “Suspended gardens make a pretty picture on any balcony of a high-rise building.” Try something new before the year ends and give your home a new look.</p>
<p>The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is famous around the world and this distinctive feature is what made the ancient city of Babylon a rare beauty. While recreating this poetic creation may be a far thought, you still can beautify your home with a rather modest hanging garden. It would not require the skill or complex water engineering of Babylon Gardens. It would not look anything close to the picture ‘hanging gardens’ may be bring to mind, but it sure will be a beautiful sight. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Nature lovers around the city often find themselves in a fix when faced with the task of owning a garden in an apartment. While balcony gardens can be life savers, Vijay Raghavendra, proud owner of little hanging gardens in Kammanahalli states that it could be a space eater too. “Why waste a little part of the home, which could be used for drying clothes, or keeping an armchair for the older folk, on balcony gardens, which would require constant maintenance?” he asks. Vijay’s concern is genuine and there are many folks who would give up this space just to be with nature. But if you aren’t one of them, then hanging gardens are your the best option. Even with beautiful balcony gardens, this eye-catching suspended planters can add to the attraction.<br /><br />Minette Ranjit, who runs a plant centre called Green Thumbs provides some <br />valuable information on suspending plants from the ceiling. Minette, with her years of experience, states that there are a number of ways to create suspended plant holders. Most people opt for readily available pots and baskets to hang plants in. She, <br />however, suggests the use of easily found reusable objects like old bottles, tin cans, thrown-away watering cans, useless old shoes or even an old hand bag. They may sound not-so-fancy, but will look great once there are plants growing out of these seemingly strange planters. The trick is to select the right kind of plants, she explains. It creates a tidy outdoor area, that can be placed anywhere — in your patio, outside your house, whichever place suits you.<br /><br />Choice of plants<br /><br />The first thing to keep in mind is the amount of sunlight your balcony receives. For those who do not receive a generous amount of sunlight and warmth, Minette advises planting miniature allamanda, geranium creeper or orange begonia. “Ferns and orchids do well in semi-shade or low-sunlight areas. Ornamental vines like ivy, philodendron, wandering jew, etc do well in low-light areas. All varieties of ferns and orchids are perfect to create a beautiful hanging garden,” she says.<br /><br />Drainage<br /><br />“Drainage is an important factor to consider before hanging baskets/containers; else, the water will stagnate and rot the roots. If the plants are in a low-light area, less or just adequate amount of watering is required,” Minette states. <br /><br />This also depends on the kind of plants you are growing. When the rain gods are being overly kind, check if the soil is dry before watering. Once a day, for most days, is enough. When you choose the plants, always find out how much water is needed and how many times you would need to water it. We would not want dripping or spilling.<br /><br />Like the Japanese <br /><br />The latest gardening trend is kokedama, a Japanese garden art form that uses moss as the container to grow plants in. The word kokedama translates to “moss ball”. It requires removing the root system of the plant and surrounding it in a mud ball, which is then wrapped in moss, tied with strings and suspended from the ceiling. When these moss gardens are hung, they are called string gardens. Tropical plants are best suited for this and bonsai soil can be used to make the string garden. This moss ball can be placed on a platform or hung directly with strings. They make for good gifts as well.<br /><br />Plant hangers<br /><br />Plant hangers need to be very strong to hold the planter and keep it tightly suspended. For DIY lovers, macrame rope hangers are most appropriate. You could put beads to make it look nicer. Beaded plastic, wood and even iron can be used. Hooks are mostly used to keep it suspended, but you could try something new and hang the planters by tying the liners directly. Bring out your artsy side and create your own hanging gardens. Again, make sure to choose bright colours.<br /><br />Wall-mounted receptacle<br /><br />Several wall-mounted planters are available for purchase. It is suited for areas where the floor space is minimum. Wall pot holders and brackets are found extensively in the city. Vertical wall pieces made of wrought iron are the most common. <br /><br />Bamboo and wood are also available. Plants can be placed in these planters alongside the suspended pots. <br /><br />Mosaic wall motifs and other decorative items can be used to enhance the look. Colour is what will give your hanging gardens life. Be sure to choose bright colours that complement the plants.<br /><br />As Minette rightly states, “Suspended gardens make a pretty picture on any balcony of a high-rise building.” Try something new before the year ends and give your home a new look.</p>
