How to put together a posh planter: a step-by-step guide
Yet despite this pedigree, he is down to earth and informal, with a relaxed and naturalistic aesthetic that is, he says, is 'a little wild and fanciful'. His work can currently be seen at the entrance garden of the WOW!house decorator showcase at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour until July 3, where he has created a display of hundreds of planters filled with a variety of seasonal flowers and greenery. Here, he offers a step-by-step guide to putting together a beautiful planter in a similar romantic style.
Plant list:
1 x foxglove
1 x Orlaya grandiflora
1 x Euphorbia pithyusa
1 x Centranthus ruber 'Albus'
5 x Lysimachia atropurpurea 'Beaujolais'
5 x Erigeron karvinskianus
1 x Helianthemum 'Wisley Primrose'
Top tip
Alexander likes to use odd numbers of plants, to give a more natural effect, and he uses a mix of perennials and annuals.
Step one
Select a large planter – Alexander collects antique and vintage pots and planters, and in this case he is using a vintage copper pot that was originally the inside of a washing machine, with a verdigris patina. Fill your pot with peat-free compost, leaving enough room at the top for the rootball of the largest of your plants.
Step two
Start with your first anchor plant – here, the foxglove – and place it towards the front of the pot (Alexander points out that even if you place your planter in a spot where it can be seen from all sides, there is often a natural 'front' to an arrangement).
Step three
Continue to add your anchor plants – here, the orlaya, euphorbia and centranthus – and space them out a little within the planter, in a way that looks as if they have grown there naturally. Try to ensure there is a gentle gradation in the height of your plants, to give your arrangement some movement.
Step four
Fill in the body of your arrangement with the lysimachia plants. Alexander has split his five plants into a group of two and a group of three, and placed them among the anchor plants, so that it looks as though the latter are growing up through the lysimachia, as they would in nature.
Step five
Add the helianthemum towards the front of the arrangement, so that it spills over the edge of the pot. Alexander acknowledges that yellow can be a controversial colour for some, but here it adds an accent of colour that contrasts with the verdigris finish of the planter.
Step six
Fill in the edge of your arrangement around the rim of the pot with the erigeron plants, again placing them at a slight angle so that they trail over the edge of the planter and soften the edges of the pot.
Step seven
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Tess Daly, 56, says she still fits the same denims she wore in her 20s despite not dieting - so, which slim celebs are with her in the good jeans club?
They say age is just a number, but for a few select celebrities, it feels like that number hasn't changed in years. And stars including Tess Daly and Gaby Roslin have revealed they still fit into the same size jeans they wore in their 20s. This week, Tess explained: 'I'm wearing the same size jeans I was wearing in my 20s, but that's not from dieting - it's from maintaining. 'I've never dieted, and as a mother of daughters, I've always been very careful not to demonise sugar and not count calories, and I refuse to embrace any negative connotation around food because I think moderation is key.' Meanwhile, supermodel Kate Moss, TV personality Amanda Holden, and Holly Willoughby have all been spotted recently rocking similar denim compared to when they were younger. They have all been open about their fitness routines and how they have kept their figure and youthful looks throughout the years. Tess Daly Tess recently revealed she still fits into the same size jeans she wore in her 20s - but insisted she's never been one to diet. The TV presenter, 56, said she exercises daily to maintain her core strength and said she believes she's cracked the formula to both feeling and looking great. She said: 'I will do planks in my living room every day because core strength is really important to me at my age now, plus I'm also very tall and do a lot of running around in heels, so I need to support my back.' She added that although she's now in her 50s, she feels as energetic as she did in her 20s. The former model has previously given fans an insight into the varied ways she achieves her impeccable figure, from running on the treadmill while she watches her favourite Netflix shows and morning skipping circuits to trampolining in her back garden. Tess has also credited daily yoga for both keeping her physically fit and maintaining her mental wellbeing, and shared her love for swimming. the former model has previously given fans an insight into the varied ways she achieves her impeccable figure, from running on the treadmill while she watches her favourite Netflix shows and morning skipping circuits to trampolining in her back garden. Tess has also credited daily yoga for both keeping her physically fit and maintaining her mental wellbeing, and shared her love for swimming. Amanda Holden Known for her incredible figure and style, Amanda has always been pictured wearing skinny jeans. And despite the Britain's Got Talent judge, 54, having a slim figure since she was young, Amanda previously revealed she's 'not a slave' to her fitness regime. She admitted she 'loves food too much' and ensures she sticks to her routine for her 'own discipline and dignity.' Speaking to The Times about how a 'school-gate mum' achieves and maintains her good looks, the TV personality shared the details. Amanda discussed her extensive fitness regime, revealing that she runs three to four miles a week in addition to Kundalini yoga practice and a 'Viking workout regime.' Despite her somewhat intense sounding exercise plan, she reiterates that she doesn't do it because she 'feels like she has too,' and explained the importance of balance. 'I am not a slave to any beauty or fitness regime because I love food too much. I eat cheese and butter and I love a drink. 'But the deal I struck with myself was I have to run for my rosé wine in the summer and run for my red wine in winter. And I don't do it because I feel I have to; I do it for my own discipline and dignity,' she told the publication. Amanda joked that it's 'all down hill from your 20s' but added that, like Cher, you can 'turn back time' with proper nutrition and exercise. 'I'm from a generation of women who won't [fade into the background] - we'll flaunt our bits for as long as we can. I am certainly going to - even when they're drooping down to the floor, I'll scoop them up again,' she laughed. Myleene Klass She soared to fame in the Noughties as a fresh-faced member of hit band Hear'Say and was known for showing off her figure in low-rise skinny jeans. And two decades on, Myleene Klass has reinvented herself as a fashion-forward guru, modelling an array of edgy and figure-flashing looks. Previously opening up about how she picks her outfits, the Pure and Simple hitmaker, 47, shared: 'Wear what you feel good in. 'Do not feel the pressure of what somebody may tell you you look great in, if it doesn't necessary suit you or you don't feel comfortable in it. 'Make sure that you've got that confidence in your outfit, because it just emanates from you. And put on that smile – you'll feel good, you'll look good.' Kate Moss Back in the early noughties, skinny jeans and black ballet pumps were one of Kate Moss's signature looks, and 20 years on, she still loves the look. She earned something of a party girl reputation in her youth, and was often seen hitting the club scene of London. But Kate, 51, has attempted to put her wild ways behind her - having overhauled her lifestyle to stay fit and healthy as she gets older. Speaking to the Guardian, the Croydon-born model revealed in 2018 she lost an inch off her waist in just 10 days, after taking on a clean diet and finally joining a gym. The supermodel revealed to the paper that she never used to be conscious of what she ate in her youth, but is amazed by how her detox has affected both her health and skin. Holly Willoughby pictured left in 2006 aged 25 She confessed: 'I've really noticed an improvement since I've been more 'on it' with food – like eating salads and all that stuff - I never used to really eat salads. And now I'm like, juicing!' Having always despised exercise, the beauty also finally decided to join a gym, and admitted she's 'got quite into it', against all odds. 'I've never been a gym bunny or anything like that,' she said. 'I was always, like, 'UGH', it made me feel ill, but now I've started working out, I'm really quite into it.' Revealing she even lost weight around her middle in less than two weeks, she added: 'I worked out for an hour every consecutive day for a couple of weeks and it was enough that I really started to see the benefits, which I'd never really done before.' Gaby Roslin 'Shopping in your wardrobe': Showing off her long, lean legs in the stylish number, Gaby revealed in the caption that the old pair of bottoms brought back 'vivid memories' Gaby Roslin, 61, revealed that she still owns and wears the same pair of jeans that she purchased over fifteen years ago. The revelation drove her Instagram fans wild as they praised her 'amazing figure' and ability to fit into the old pair of grey exposed zipper jeans. Gaby showed off her long, lean legs in the stylish number, which she teamed with a matching grey top. The star captioned the snap: 'Yes! Ultimate happy find #shoppinginyourwardrobe and once again the @jbrandjeans houlihans have an outing. Nothing quite as 'just right' as the originals. 'I think I bought these over 15 years ago and I remember being obsessed... We were weren't we @janebrutonuk It's funny how some items in your wardrobe bring back such very vivid memories. 'That's of course one of the joys of #shoppinginyourwardrobe The other reasons are it's good for your purse and the planet! Happy day everyone,' she concluded.
Telegraph
6 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Seven delicious reasons to splash your cash on fine cider
The word cider doesn't often conjure up a sense of reverence or aspiration. The majority of what's sold in this country is a commodity – the same liquid replicated efficiently throughout the year, just like beer and with an equivalent price point. And yet… while cider volumes in the UK have steadily declined over the last decade, its value continues to creep up thanks to growth within the most premium category. And at its apex lies a micro sub-segment – fine cider. Jump to: The best fine ciders to try Fine cider versus mainstream cider and English wine Why you can trust us Fine cider is a world away from two-litre plastic bottles and 24-can multipacks. It takes its aesthetic and production cues from the world of wine. It's often on the shelves for £10 to £20 but sometimes £30-plus – even higher when served at restaurants – and, when executed with skill, it is worth every single penny. Often presented in a 75cl bottle, fine cider is intended for the table – to be drunk instead of wine; to serve before, during or after a meal; to share with friends; to sip and savour – tempting us to fall headfirst into an enchanting world of rare apple and pear varieties (the latter the raw material for fine perry), lost orchards, clever cider-making techniques and characterful cultural saviours. Luckily, some of the greatest fine ciders in the world are available in the UK. These are some of my favourites:
Daily Mail
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Move over, midi dresses - 5 ways I'm styling a chic skirt and white top this summer
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more I was never really a fan of skirts. Then, last summer, I bought a white broderie midi skirt from Ghost and it quickly became one of the most complemented pieces in my wardrobe. I often wear it with a bandeau top from Cos (another purchase from a few seasons back that's now a staple) – an all-white look that leaves people wondering if I'm wearing a dress; or with a white baby tee from Uniqlo and a pair of Adidas Spezials on those low-effort days. This summer, I made a vow to wear more skirts. After all, they're just as easy to slip on as a midi dress, if you team them with a white tank top, tee or button-up on top half. So, I've browsed the high street for the best styles and shared my pick of the five skirts that have caught my attention this season below. All I need to do now is make a decision… Massimo Dutti Midi Skirt £99.95 Shop The check print of this flowy Massimo Dutti skirt lends itself to this simple white tee from Mango and these black leather flip flips from Stradivarius (a minimalist shoe the fashion set can't get enough of this season – see below). M&S Linen Rich Maxi A-Line Skirt £35 Shop The best thing about these Tkees sandals is that they come in a range of colours, so it wasn't too difficult to find a pair that matches this red M&S skirt. Leave the oversized tee from COS untucked for that slouchier, cool-girl look. H&M Flared Linen Blend Skirt £44.99 Shop The pintucks on this linen H&M skirt makes it look far more expensive than its high street price tag. Tuck a white linen shirt, like this one from Uniqlo, into the waistband and team with these brown sandals from Zara during the next heatwave. Mango Flared Cotton Skirt £45.99 Shop The design of this black cotton skirt from Mango is pretty simple, so I'd add some interest and texture with this semi-sheer top from Massimo Dutti and these strappy sandals from Russell & Bromley, which are heavily discounted right now. Rixo Midi Skirt £215 Shop Let the floral print of this bias cut Rixo skirt do the talking and wear it with a white tank top – this Mint Velvet number is a winner thanks to its square neckline – and these chocolate brown suede sandals from H&M. TikTok (@you_magazine) and X (@YOUMagSocial).
