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Bras used for planting
Hanging bra-sket: bras and teapots are good for planting in small spaces

Bra and pants idea for small city gardens

Mark Prigg, Science and Technology Correspondent
13.07.09

It was made entirely from discarded underwear hung on a washing line.

Yet this bizarre garden has been key to convincing Londoners to grow their own vegetables, according to the Royal Horticultural Society.

The RHS built a "bra patch" at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show to encourage would-be gardeners.

The display was made up of more than 200 undergarments, hung on three 10-metre washing lines. Alpine strawberries, tomatoes and herbs were all grown, along with flowers.

Staff admitted the display received a few raised eyebrows. RHS spokeswoman Georgie Webb said: "It's been an interesting reaction.

"Older members were generally a bit bemused at first, but I think people then realised that this was really a bit of fun. There was a lot of giggling around the garden though, from both old and young, so we think it went down well."

The RHS said the idea was to show Londoners that they can grow flowers and vegetables in a small space.

"We wanted to show people what can be done, and persuade them to try it out," said Miss Webb, 29, who has converted her own back garden in Forest Hill to include the "grow bras". She said the idea came about during a discussion in the RHS offices.

"We were talking about how strawberries can be grown in hanging baskets, and we wondered what else could be used. Someone pointed out that a bra was the right shape." To make the mini gardens, bras are filled with compost and planted.

Underpants can also be used once the legs have been sewn shut. Ms Webb added: "My plants are doing very well, although I do get some very odd looks from my neighbours."

The Hampton Court show finished yesterday.

Reader views (1)

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Mmmmm!, wonder what you could grow in a thong?.

- David Crocket, Bradford , UK.


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