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DIY by Angela Moller

 

Sweetly adorable and easy to grow, succulents have been a popular trend for quite some time. Since they’re related to cacti, they don’t require a lot of watering, making them a great option for beginners who would like to tiptoe into the world of houseplants and gardening. Since they love to grow in little nooks and crannies, succulents open the doors to all kinds of creative planting ideas that add a cheerful touch to your home, office or garden. Use found objects from around the house or scout for treasures at yard sales and thrift stores and let your creative juices flow!

 

 

 

 

What you will need:

Succulents (readily available at any garden center in multiple varieties)

Potting soil

Sand

Planters of your choice

Your favorite garden center can advise you on the best potting mix for your succulents, and you can mix sand with potting soil to create a well-drained mixture for these cactus-family plants that thrive in a drier environment.

 

Log planter

A chunk of a split log can be laid horizontally in a flower bed to add an interesting focal point. Hollow out a bit of space, add a small amount

of soil and introduce some small succulents. Bonus points if the log is already starting to soften and decay — the succulents will love it!

 

Boot planter

An old boot from your closet, a rain boot from a garage sale or a toddler’s outgrown shoe can make a sweet planter. You can tuck a succulent in its original plastic pot right into the boot, or fill the boot with a layer of gravel for drainage, followed by a mixture of potting soil and sand for planting. Display with some vintage books and a baby photo for a sweet vignette.

 

Teacup planter

A vintage teacup from your grandma’s collection or a secondhand store find can become an adorable succulent planter. The petite detail of the succulents tie in perfectly to the dainty style of a teacup and add interest to a bedroom nightstand or a bathroom countertop.

 

Kitchen planter

A vintage measuring cup or small pitcher can make a charming addition to a windowsill or countertop. Ball jars, vintage wooden cheese boxes and various types of kitchen utensils can also spark creativity when adding a succulent planter to your kitchen decor.

 

Seashell planter

The mementos from a beach vacation become a great conversation piece when you add them to your decor. Simply add a bit of soil and a tiny succulent to the shell’s opening. Fill a bowl, box or tray with sand or pebbles and add your shell planters. Shells are also an interesting addition to an outdoor flower bed.

 

Rock garden planter

If you’re a collector of interesting rocks, turn them into an interesting display by arranging them in a tray or flat box, and tucking bits of soil and succulents in between. A lovely touch of nature is a welcome addition to any home or office. Greenery adds a fresh component to any home, and also provides a resting place when our eyes need a break from screens.

 

Angela Moller is a local designer who owns and operates The Homestead Boutique with her husband, Matt. She loves spending her early mornings in her gardens, before diving into the work of creating handcrafted decor that tells the story of home. You can find Matt and Angela’s work at The Homestead Boutique, 415 E. William St. in Albert Lea, and online at www.homesteaddesignmn.com.