Easy Succulent Centerpiece

 Happy Friday, friends!  Succulents are all the rage right now and with good reason.
They're easy to plant, easy to care for and they make even the brownest thumb gardener feel successful inspiring a whole new generation of indoor gardeners. They're finding their way into bridal bouquets, driftwood planters, wall gardens, office buildings, and home and garden centers. Even our local grocery store is selling them.

The most important thing to remember when caring for succulents is not to over water. They store water in their leaves not their roots so don't drown them or they'll wilt, shrivel, then die. They love lots of natural light too.

 Do you shop at Savers? I love scavenging there for interesting vessels for floral arrangements and centerpieces. They always seem to have a good selection of vintage silver plated platters, bowls, tea pots and candy dishes for low cost.  My nursery manager picked up this pretty footed bowl a while back and it's been calling my name for months! I personally think vessels with an aged silver patina are perfect for the softer, more muted greens and grays of succulents and cactus. This footed candy/compote dish was crying out for something fun and we just happened to have some left over succulents at the garden shop to play with.

The pretty scalloped edges of the dish inspired me to select succulents with similar shapes and texture.

I like to use Horticultural Charcoal in the bottom of my succulent containers without drainage holes to aid in air circulation.

This footed dish isn't deep at all in the center which makes it perfect for succulents because they don't have a deep root system and they require very little water on a weekly basis. Just a mist every week or so is all they need to keep them happy.

You can use regular potting soil to plant succulents but I prefer Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix because it's lighter and provides the proper drainage and nutritional needs that are specific to succulents and cacti.

 

Once you cover the charcoal bits in soil you can start placing your succulents.

I only filled the center of the dish, leaving plenty of space for design flexibility.

Starting with the largest succulent, remove some of the excess soil from the bottom of the plant and lay it on it's side where you want it to go. Build your design with the remaining succulents and cactus in this fashion ( removing soil as needed and tweaking the placement) until you like the finished design. You'll find as you finish edging the dish with plants there will be a hole in the center of the arrangement. This is a perfect place to add something taller. A little bit of height in a low centerpiece  creates drama and interest.

Succulent Centerpiece

See how it stands up just a smidgen higher than the others? Once you have your placement completed, fill in around the plants with soil a little at a time until the plant base is covered. Dust off any remaining soil with a pastry brush or small paint brush

 For a centerpiece this size water with about 1/4 cup of water at the soil level then give it a fine mist with a spray bottle. Ta DA!

 Now go raid your basement, grannies attic or local Savers for some fun vases and vessels.

Oh, and you can read my other post about succulents, here.

Just keep growing...
Love,
Deb 

Sassy Succulants

Just look at these sassy succulents!  Have you gotten caught up in the succulent craze yet?

Succulents originate from desert areas and hold most of their water in their soft rubbery petals. They only need to be watered once a week and prefer a spot out of the sun. They require very little in the way of care but they give back in a big way. And, they're fun to plant up in different containers and vases. I snapped the top photo while visiting a booth at The Country Living Fair in Nashville recently. I just love how the bright green and purple play off of each other and the moss covering underneath the petals gives the whole container some pop! 

I also spotted these darling vintage-style painted jars planted up with succulents there and had to give them a try once I got home. I already had the painted jars left over from a Christmas project from last year. You can read about that here.

I love all the different shapes, colors and textures succulents offer the home gardener and floral designer alike.

Cactus plants have very similar requirements and can be mixed with succulents for an interesting textual look. I've just barely touched the surface for designing with succulents but I'm looking forward to experimenting more with them.

 Pinterest is loaded with gorgeous ideas for using them in your home and garden designs. I've started a Succulents board to keep me inspired. And, my new part time job at a local garden shop will surely keep me in good supply!

5 GARDEN BARGAINS for $25.00 Or Less

 As homesteaders we are always looking for ways to cut costs on our summer garden purchases with out sacrificing the beauty and abundance summer brings to all living things.  Once the flowers and veggie seeds are planted and thriving I see what's left over to spend on container garden plants for accessorizing our deck and doorstep. Purchasing containers, soil, and plants separately can add up quick and before you know it you've spent 50 dollars on one pot. That just won't do at my house! I was at Savors recently and happened upon one of those plastic tubs for storing a garden hose for $ 4.99! With my $3.00 off coupon I had gotten for donating that day I snatched it up with the idea of filling it with colorful blooms to place on our landing near the front steps. A trip to the nursery a few days later and three pots of glorious annuals ( for 20.00 ) plus a couple of buckets of good dirt I already had and here it is! I just love the bold color combination of the red, purple and yellow, don't you?
 Here are 4 more garden bargains from my garden sure to save you a few bucks here and there!

My VINTAGE Sink Garden~ The sink was free and the flowers cost under 20.00!

Vintage Teapot brewing Nasturtiums~

VINTAGE SINK GARDEN 

 Fall Flowers ( Silk)  in a hanging pot I already had on hand. The flowers were 50% off at Michaels Craft Store. I think they came to 16 or 17 dollars total.

What kinds of CREATIVE garden bargains have you been able to take advantage of this summer? 

I've got another fun garden bargain coming up if all goes as planned.... 

Think picket fence dreams for me!!!

ROMANTIC UPcycled Container Garden

Happy Valentines Day friends!
Today I'm digging into the Dandelion House archives ( circa 2010 ) to share an easy upcycled container garden project with you sure to bring a little 'everyday romance' into your life and your garden! It's one of my favorites and so easy to make!

 I hope you all have a sweet, sweet day with those you love.
All I need is chocolate and kisses :)