Garden Magic in Baskets: Living Liners Transform Hanging Planters

Sunset's test garden coordinator Bud Stuckey replaced traditional sphagnum moss and coco-fiber liners with living ground covers—and discovered instant magic. The roots form well-knit carpets in nursery flats (mudflats), cut to fit wire baskets, creating seamless, leafy liners for hanging baskets, freestanding baskets, half baskets, and hayrack planters.

Seven Living Liners

• Baby's tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
• Blue star creeper (Laurentia fluviatilis)
• Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
• Creeping thyme (Thymus praecox arcticus 'Elfin')
• Irish moss (Arenaria verna or Sagina subulata)
• Scotch moss (A. verna 'Aurea' or S. subulata 'Aurea')
• Sedum spurium

How-To

Start with a mudflat of one ground cover. Cut to fit basket. Hang in partial shade. With regular water and minimal care, they last months.

Sources

Local nurseries stock wire frames; may need to order mudflats. For wide basket/hayrack selection: Kinsman Company (800-733-4146; www.kinsmangarden.com).