Summer baskets won’t be themed

THIS year’s Henley hanging baskets will feature “the best plants available”.

Miles Watson-Smyth, director of WindowFlowers, which supplies them, wants to focus on colour, vibrancy and longevity rather than having specific theme.

Last year’s baskets marked the coronation of King Charles by using purple and gold flowers but were criticised by residents and councillors for their “drab” appearance.

Mr Watson-Smyth said: “I am very conscious that last year we tied ourselves in knots with the coronation theme where we said, ‘Let’s go with purple and gold’ and I don’t think the baskets reflected what anybody expected. They weren’t as good as previous years.

“I have thought about it and it would be better if we could do what’s best for the nursery at that time with a view to make it fabulous. These hanging baskets should shout colour and be totally over the top and big and blousy and really stand out.”

So far a total of 135 baskets have been sold so far with 83 residents and businesses signing up to the scheme, which is supported by the Henley Standard’s Buy a Basket campaign.

Mr Watson-Smyth said that the baskets would look co-ordinated with only any late orders likely to have slightly different planting.

He said there would be the usual parameters in place, such as hairy-leaved plants to absorb air pollution and pollinators to help bees, moths and other insects.

He said: “We will also choose planting that will be drought tolerant to keep an eye on our water usage. Fresh water is a scarce resource and we should be mindful of how we use that.

“The baskets will encourage visitors into the town and help address concerns over the death of high street shopping.”

They cost from £47 to £78, and the brackets to hang them cost £32 each. Last year, a record 273 were sold.