1 HOUR 1 HOUR
The best way to create a natural ecosystem in your garden is to make it a haven not only for you, but for the local wildlife, too. Butterflies and bees make your yard feel like a secluded patch of wilderness, and introducing wildlife is also a great way to get kids excited about the great outdoors. Incidentally, insect-friendly plants also tend to be the most floriferous and beautiful. What works for the bees works for us, too.
For something a little different, and much cheaper, than a big container, try using an old suitcase. Used suitcases are easy to find in thrift stores or at garage sales for a fraction of the price you would pay for more traditional containers of the same size. The suitcase will need to be able to withstand some weather, so look for one made of wood or tough leather. It will break down a little over the course of a few years, but this will only add to its vintage look. You will be surprised how well leather wears, even in the great outdoors.
Old suitcase made from wood or tough leather, deep enough for a 3-liter pot and wide enough for at least six plants
Drill (or utility knife if you’re using a leather suitcase or if you don’t have a drill)
Washed horticultural sand, plus pea gravel to mulch
Buddleja, Salvia, Sedum, lavender, borage, Allium, Veronicastrum, Phlox, mallow, Hebe, Papaver, foxglove, or Campanula
Soil – not too heavy, including bark or pea gravel
1.Drill or cut holes in the bottom of the suitcase to create drainage. Generally speaking, the more the merrier because these plants require a fairly free-draining soil, but you need at least five good-sized holes.
2.Place the suitcase in its final position. If you have a small suitcase, you can move it after planting, but generally, especially with a large container, it is better to plant it in situ.
3.Add a 1–2-inch (2.5–5-cm) -deep layer of washed horticultural and or pea gravel o the bottom of the suitcase and cover with a few inches of soil. This should form a layer on which you can place the plants so that the tops of their root balls come to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the rim. This way, you avoid burying your plants too deeply.
4.Place the plants in the suitcase in a pleasing arrangement. The Buddleja and Salvia (or any other taller plants) should go at the back of your arrangement so they do not block the light for the other plants. The Sedum will be lovely at the front, where it can tumble over the edge of the case.
5.Once you are happy, backfill with more soil until the soil level is just below the rim of the suitcase.
6.Dress the soil with a layer of pea gravel to finish it off.
7.Water the container well so that all of the roots are guaranteed to make good contact with the soil.
8.Cut the Buddleja back in the early spring so that it can grow nicely through the season. Cut the lavender in spring but do not go into the woody stems. Cut the other plants back in autumn and protect them from the worst of the frost. Every year, give a light feed of compost and top off with mulch, and then repot and replace the soil completely every three to four years.
TIP: This particular arrangement does best when placed in the sun or partial shade because all of these plants require some sunlight. This placement is also a great way to make sure that the insects see the plants!