Wednesday, March 6, 2002

Create a spectacular floral display with hayracks

Your first question may be, "What is a hayrack?"

Just as the name implies, hayracks were used years ago in English barns to supply hay to farm animals. They were placed up high and the animals could reach up and pull a mouthful of hay to eat between the widely spaced bars.

Old hayracks have become treasured antiques and are used outside buildings as attractive planters for flowers. English hayrack planters are a beautiful alternative to the traditional window box. They have a very classy and distinctive look, won't dry out as quickly as terra cotta pots, and are made to last. They generally range in size from 30 inches to 55 inches long, although there is even a hayrack that is 80 inches long available upon request.

The hayracks found at www.GardenArtisans.com are made by Tom Chambers Ironworks in England. Each piece is hand-welded steel thickly dipped in black plastic for permanent corrosion protection. They come with made-to-fit coco liners and are deep enough to accommodate large plants without drying out quickly.

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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