Country Lore: Great Green Homemade Gift Baskets

By Julie Heetderks
Published on August 25, 2009
article image
PHOTO: JULIE HEETDERKS
A homemade gift basket of flowers and greens from plant can cheer up the gloomiest winter day.

Here in Montana, the winter months can drag out. So, while waiting for spring, I enjoy putting together homemade plant gift baskets from plants.

I take cuttings from my plants (herbs or houseplants), buy more plants that are on clearance, and pick up small baskets from thrift stores. These baskets are transformed into get-well, wedding, or birthday baskets.

To do this, place the plastic bag on the bottom of the basket, rolling the mouth of the plastic down to form a lip on the edge of the basket. Then fill the lined basket with potting soil and carefully plant the greens to make a miniature garden — one plant draping off to the side, one erect in the middle, and another short, flowering plant on the other side.

For a more finished look, place decorative moss over the plastic lip. Keep the soil moist for three or four weeks, until the plants become established.

The plant gift baskets are easy to care for and will provide the recipient with months of color.

Julie Heetderks

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368