Turn a washing machine drum into a hanging basket—check out 10+ unexpected ideas for summer flower plantings!
Summer flowers are delightful at entrances, on patios, and even on balconies. They can be planted creatively in an old suitcase, a washing machine drum, and more.
Romantic rose bed
A potted rose sits perfectly on the seat of an old wooden chair. A large container helps keep the soil evenly moist and makes watering easier. Potted roses thrive in bright settings but do not enjoy scorching sun.
Delightful wall flowers
A plate rack has found new purpose as home to a pansy collection, brightening the entrance of an old house. When pansies stop blooming, don’t throw them out. Instead, trim back about two thirds of their stems. Fertilize and water them, and soon they’ll bloom again.
A stylish choice
Some of ornamental basil varieties can even outshine many summer flowers. ‘Magic Mountain’ basil grows into a lush bush. This edible plant blooms generously even in partial shade. Leaves that shift from dark green to purple form an elegant combination with lilac flowers. Try overwintering in a bright spot at about 5–10 degrees Celsius.
Miles well traveled
Once a suitcase has finished traveling, turn it into a planter. Slide a bag of potting soil inside and cut it open on top. Gynostemma pentaphyllum planted with a rose and lavender grows quickly. A climbing tea herb completes the suitcase’s laid-back look and covers the soil. Tools attached to a board on the lid become part of the arrangement. An umbrella shields it from scorching sun and heavy rain.
Under the vine arch
On a small patio, you can enjoy a cup of coffee under a cup-and-saucer vine arch. The fast-growing vine often doesn’t bloom until late summer, but its showy bell-shaped flowers are worth the wait. It often develops a lovely autumn color. In the hanging basket, you’ll find purple bell vine.
One last service
An old wooden door leaning against a pine trunk provides a frame for a summer flower basket filled with busy Lizzie. This classic flower thrives in partial or full shade and loves steady moisture.
Welcome to the house!
Large dahlia plantings take the entrance to a whole new level. Old wooden barrels are treasures in any garden. In containers this large, you can grow anything from summer flowers to small trees. Hardy perennials may survive the winter in them.
A role for every season
A washing machine drum hanging from an apple tree can serve as a summer hanging basket. Variegated ground ivy and Bacopa (Snowflake) grow from it. As autumn days darken, the drum transforms into a lantern, letting light shine beautifully through its perforations.
A joyful array of plants
This cozy balcony includes a variety of species, but identical pots tie the whole look together. Tall pots give plants better access to light and make them easier to admire than if they were on the ground. At the front are rainbow pink, marguerite daisies, and Spanish lavender. In the back corner container, a cordyline rises among annual phlox. A lightweight 1950s metal chair is just right for a small balcony.
A flower cascade raised on a pedestal
Is your chair seat broken? Replace it with a suitably sized container for summer flowers. A trailing basket plant looks enchanting as it cascades down from the chair. An enamel basin now houses petunia ‘Picasso’.
Important supporting roles
Choose companion plants with care so they highlight the main plant’s beauty. A lacecap hydrangea [in Finnish] and variegated ivy in matching colors make a stylish combination on stone steps. Both do well in a lightly shaded spot.
Flowers aren’t always necessary
Add plants that captivate with their foliage rather than their blossoms. Shamrocks and the coleus shown here are good examples. Also called painted nettle, coleus grows bushy in no time. Keep it out of direct sun but in a bright spot so its leaves stay vibrant.
