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Whilst freestanding pots and tubs decorate the garden at ground level, hanging baskets introduce a new dimension to container gardening with charm, interest and a softening quality at eye level and above.

In the garden itself they can be suspended from the cross-beam of a pergola (check for strength of support before fixing) or you might even build a simple system of uprights and cross beams in an L shape. This is a particularly useful device in a new garden or one where there are few mature trees and plants because it creates an instant opportunity for plant interest above eye level when every-thing around seems rather flat.

In this setting, a series of baskets set at different levels in irregular, random pattern would be an eye-catching feature right through the summer, and possibly in winter months too if you choose some of the year round plants which are often available, such as winter pansies, evergreen ivy, dwarf conifer, sage and thyme.

Suspended from a wall bracket, hanging baskets can decorate a porch or house wall, a balcony or veranda and even a garage or rather unattractive outbuilding. Even an unattractive concrete shed can undergo a visual transformation thanks to the use of hanging baskets.

Choosing a hanging basket

Various types of hanging basket are available, from simple wire mesh (often plastic covered) to a solid plastic pot with saucer or a hanging clay pot. Ideally, the aim should be to hide the basket entirely with boldly cascading plants, so the appearance of the basket need not be too important. However, if you choose to go for a more delicate look and make the pot or basket a feature in itself then a more decorative style would obviously be important.

A wire mesh basket should be lined with a thick layer of sphagnum moss which has previously been well moistened; you could even moisten it in a weak solution of liquid fertilizer to give plants an extra start. A more modern alternative for lining 'is a purpose made basket liner in a fibrous, felt-like material. Once lined, the basket should be partially filled with compost (again definitely not garden soil) ready to receive plants. As you fill, moisten the compost and pack it in quite firmly and in the top make a 'dished' shape to prevent flooding over the sides when the basket is watered.

Again, safety is important - do ensure that brackets are securely fixed and avoid placing baskets where people may hit their head or where the drips from watering will damage anything underneath.

Planting your hanging basket

Plants should be positioned both in the top of the basket and poked through the sides so that a complete covering of cascading foliage and flowers will be achieved. For the top, a plant of upright habit could be chosen, but do make sure it is low growing or it will become tangled in the suspending wires or damaged in the wind. A low growing geranium would be fine, and you can -always pinch out the top to encourage bushy rather than upright growth.

Baskets can look equally stunning furnished with one single type of plant or a mixture - perhaps a colour theme of pink and white, mauve and blue or reds and oranges. Summer-flowering trailing plants that can be used to good effect include fuchsias, ivy-leaf geranium, lobelia and trailing nasturtium; also useful would be ivy; petunias and busy lizzies, which hang nicely if not exactly trailing; sweet alyssum; heliotrope; verbena and Phlox drummondii.

Hanging baskets need not be useful only in summer months. In the autumn they should be emptied and cleaned, but could then be planted up again for winter with hardy plants; these could even remain as a permanent feature of a small group of baskets which would make a framework of your collection. Suitable plants include ivy again, which can be kept over from summer displays (once greenhouse grown plants have been out for a whole spring and summer they should be quite hardy) and also the lovely creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) - a British wild plant with showy yellow flowers which are often fragrant.

Other hardy plants for baskets are the lovely little wall plant Campanula muralis; the blue periwinkle Vinca minor and Nepeta hederacca. Spring flowering bulbs like miniature narcissus, crocuses, snowdrops and scilla could also make a good display early in the year.

Caring for your hanging basket

Hanging baskets are exposed to sun and wind all round, so they tend to dry out rather quickly, especially in summer. Frequent watering is therefore essential, and indeed it is virtually impossible to overwater a hanging basket.

Access could be a problem and it might be practical to have a small ladder on hand so that you can water easily into the top of the basket ' this should be done at least once a day.

You can also obtain a special attachment for watering cans which makes a form of spout extension and could be useful.

Add a dilute liquid fertilizer once a week or make use of slow-release fertilizer pellets to save a few more trips up and down the ladder. Dead flower heads should be picked off as often as possible to keep the plants looking their best. Even lobelia is better for this although it is a fiddly job best done with a pair of nail scissors.

Whether you choose for your garden hanging baskets, a mass of exuberantly planted pots or a few well-chosen specimens - or a combination of all three; whether you have sprawling rural acres or a tiny corner of the city, the chances are that you will find container gardening an enjoyable form of growing.

Dedicated gardeners may become thoroughly absorbed and boldly experimental, whilst those less committed will probably be continually grateful for plants that seem to provide quick, impressive effect with so little care and attention!