The sweet-smelling irises should be in flower by late-winter if the weather is mild. Before then, you can enjoy the foliage combination of the needle-like iris, the filigree English ivy and the crimped fern. If you plant up this container feature in autumn you can use iris bulbs; if you wait until spring, simply buy pots of iris.

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You Will Need

  • Purple iris plants (3)
  • Hart's tongue fern (3)
  • Bird's foot ivy (3)
  • Window box
  • Driil, optional
  • Crocks
  • Gravel or pebbles

Total time: 30 minutes

Step 1

Drilling drainage holes
Drilling drainage holes

If no drainage holes are present, drill a drainage hole in each corner of the box. Cover the base with crocks followed by a thick layer of gravel or grit, then fill it two-thirds with compost.

Step 2

Planting the ferns
Planting the ferns

Remove the ferns from their pots and tease out the roots. Position them in the trough, making sure they're evenly spaced.

Step 3

Planting the irises
Planting the irises

Knock the iris plants out of their pots and tease out the roots before planting them.

Step 4

Planting the ivy
Planting the ivy
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Plant the ivy along the front edge of the trough. Top up with compost, firming it around the plants with your fingers. Stand the trough on the patio or on a windowsill in full sun or light shade.

Kevin Smith says...

Use a contemporary metal container to create an urban look with a bit of edge. Line the pot with bubble wrap if you’re positioning it in a hot spot – this will prevent the plants’ roots becoming damaged by hot metal.
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