How to wrap plastic pots in Hessian

Someone requested the full instructions for hessian pot wrapping, so here they are:

Hessian-covered pot plant illustration by Cecilia Macaulay

If you have a Goth theme for your balcony garden, black plastic pots are perfect. But if you had some other theme in mind, they might be spoiling the party, visually, anyway.
But plastic does have its virtues: its cheap, light, keeps moisture better than terracotta, and, well, its already there. Permaculture is about finding ways to get What you Want from What You Have. Here's the tried and tested method for modestly covering your pots with hessian, for a harmonious Balconyscape.



First, you find the hessian. A quick trip to the yellow pages is always a good place to start, or make friends with a farmer.
$1 per bag is a fantastic deal, and thats about all they will ask for, for a bag thats already done its duty, hauling coffee or potatoes.
Canvas would work too, but I love the rugged earthiness of hessian, and the illusion it gives that the plants are just growing up out of nature. It smells wonderful, reminding me of my grandpa and his farm.

Cut strips so that they are as tall as the pot, with a generous overhang. Fold both top and bottom under, and place some wire under the top fold, to act as a 'drawstring'.

Get a mate to help you hold the hessian in place, while you secure it with wire.
Since pots are tapered, your fabric may need to be pleated here and there to fit around snugly.

Because it can be hard to get the 'draping' right the first time, for big pots I make a couple of loops of elastic to hold things in place and then twist the wire on last.
Make sure the excess fabric at the bottom is tucked under neatly, with its 'hem' raised clear from the drainage holes or pooled water.

The overlap at the top will also be carefuly tucked in. Tighten the wire and twist the two ends together. The result is like a trampoline spring cover - it doesn't touch the soil and get wet, but hides the black plastic rim.
If you like, cover the wire with twine or ribbon, or leave as is. Rusty looks good with hessian.

They were designed for my undercover balcony garden, but I now put them out in the rain too. Eventually they will compost down to soil, returning to their original home after what was, you must admit, a full and glamorous life for a scrap of humble fabric.

If you are in Melbourne on Australia day (Monday 26th January) you might like to join us for a pot-wrapping party and amusingly high tea. If you actually do a pot-covering project, Id love to have a report and see some pretty pictures.