Patio plants bring greenery and flowers close to the living space and create a tranquil environment for relaxation. Hanging plants install quickly on a patio with hangers and simple tools. Plant hangers are available in many colors and styles to complement the design of the patio or deck and surrounding furniture and accessories. The classic plant hanger is shaped like a bookshelf bracket, with styles ranging from simple to ornate. Installation requires a flat vertical surface, a power drill and a pair of screws.
Select areas along the patio for hanging plants. If the patio is attached to the house, hangers can be installed under the eaves. Rails around the patio also provide vertical surfaces for mounting plant hangers. For added elevation, a wrought-iron shepherd's crook, available at gardening centers, can be bolted to a wooden rail for hanging plants overhead.
Design a display plan so plants will hang on the patio where each can receive the proper amount of sunlight. Hanging ferns and ivy, for example, will require less direct sunlight than potted flowers.
Place a hanger bracket against a vertical surface with the hook pointing downward.
Make a pencil mark in each of the two holes in the hanger bracket as a guide for drilling.
Drill a hole at each pencil mark using a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws that come with the plant hanger. This helps ensure the screws will fit tightly.
Hold the hanger in place over the drilled holes and insert a screw into one of the holes, tightening with a screwdriver. Insert and tighten the second screw.
Hang the patio plant from the hook below the wall-mounted hanger. Adjust the length of the chain on the planter to raise or lower the plant.