With the basket fully lined, it was finally time to see whether the project would actually work as a planter. Potting soil was carefully added to the center, a little at a time. As the basket filled, something interesting happened. The weight of the soil pressed the leaves firmly against the sides of the frame, helping secure them in place and creating an even stronger natural liner. What had looked delicate moments earlier suddenly felt surprisingly solid.
Before long, the basket was completely filled and ready for planting. Then came the most rewarding part of the entire project. The flowers. One by one, the plants were arranged into the soil, their roots gently covered and secured. As more flowers were added, the basket began to transform again. The sticks that had been the focus of attention throughout the build slowly faded into the background as colorful blooms took center stage.
Suddenly, it no longer looked like a craft project. It looked like a genuine hanging basket. The kind people stop and admire when walking through a garden center. Except this one hadn’t come from a store at all. And once the hanging cords were attached and the basket was lifted into place, the finished result became even more impressive.