Easter Baskets for The Green of Thumb

Here’s a unique Easter gift idea for adults. Based on the notion of the Easter basket, it involves the presentation of a number of small succulents or indoor plants in a lined wicker basket. There are often wicker baskets available for little cost at charity and second-hand shops, so we recommend going there as a first port of call.

Give your second-hand wicker basket a clean to get rid of dust and cobwebs, then line with a thin layer of plastic.

Layer a couple of newspaper pages on top of the plastic and moisten. Then add a good quality potting mix until your basket is ¾ full. Plant your collection of small plants in the potting mix. We find that having an odd number of plants looks best, i.e., either three, five, or seven depending on the size of your wicker basket. Fill the basket with more potting mix and then lightly water in the plants.

Please note that you won’t be able to have drainage holes until you have presented your gift to the recipient, because drainage holes mean the potential for water escaping over the floor of your car on or the lap of the recipient. However, the nature of wicker is such that a few quick piercings with a knitting needle after the basket has been gifted will mean that excess water can escape and the plants will be able to ‘breathe’ properly.

The basket is best made a day or two before gifting.

• Topics:

• Living and Lifestyle
• Gardening