Above taken a month or so ago...below taken this morning
Good morning! I'm going to try to start this week off productively. I thought I'd start by sharing a photo of my tabletop succulent garden...and instructions on how you can make one too!
I found this great terracotta pot at a garage sale....it was wide and somewhat shallow, which was perfect. I'd always wanted to do it but wasn't sure how...so, here's what I learned.....
1. wide but shallow pot....(my inspiration was a gorgeous garden made within a large terracotta pot tray (the bottom dish that sits under a pot)...it was HUGE!)
2. Cactus Soil Mix *can get this just about anywhere that sells potting soil*
3. River Rocks...I bought mine at Craft Warehouse in the floral department. They come in small
bags, I bought two with many to spare....if you have river rock in your landscape, YAY YOU! Just give them a good washing and they'll be ready to go.
4. Pick out at least 4 little pots of succulents...you can choose from so many! We actually had a few different kind in places already. I originally bought 3 others when I first planted this and later, removed a couple of river rocks from the pot and added some more that had darling pink flowers I couldn't resist at the store. In the photos above there are 8 different plants, some have been split and placed in opposite ends of the pot. *many "Steppable" ground covers are actually in the succulant family. These tend to be less expensive than most.* I was amazed that most I found flowered!
Instructions....
1. Prepare your pot for soil.
If your using a pot that's deeper than 5" (mine is 5-1/2" high), place a layer or two of packing peanuts at the bottom (I actually do this with all my pots which saves precious potting soil (my bags always run out too quick) and saves your back by making a lighter weight finished pot).
2. Fill with Cactus Mix Soil up to 1" of the inside pot.
3. To plant, remove succulent (I used a paper towel to hold the prickly ones) and gently work off excess soil from the roots. With your fingers, dig a little hole where you want to place the plant and place the plant, making sure that all the roots are under (some are long and will want to spread out of the hole) the plant. While still holding the plant, begin pushing soil underneath, then letting go, secure by moving soil in place around it.
4. Once you've finished planting, take your rocks and carefully add one layer to any exposed soil.
5. Place in direct sun and give a good watering.
I'm not an expert in watering succulents....I just give the top a spray when I'm watering the other pots outside. Some succulents require more water than others and can be spot watered when needed.
Bring your pot inside in the winter OR plant entire pot in the ground to protect it from the cold.
*please send pics if you choose to attempt this project, I'd love to see!*
This doesn't have to be a spendy thing...in fact, I found some pictures of smaller gardens that would take almost no time at all!! (Click picture for a larger view)
I've just discovered a great online Succulent Shop...check it out!
oxox
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