This week we used these non-hardy sedums for a fun summer project – sedum hanging spheres.I have planted succulents in a retired pair of high-heel shoes (good riddance!), on top of birdhouses and chicken coop roofs, even used tiny cuttings planted into cored-out wine corks glued to magnets for my refrigerator. I have seen succulent cuttings used in bridal bouquets and boutonnieres like flowers and practically infinite project ideas are on Pinterest, Instagram and so on. One reason succulents are so popular is their versatility of uses due to their low-water needs and ease of care.
This popular gardening theme is especially fun during summer months, planting succulents together to create flashy, easy-care containers that work great as patio-table centerpieces, garden accents & gifts. Succulents come in all shapes and sizes and are generally grouped into two categories: winter hardy or NOT winter hardy (aka annual). Although the world of hardy sedums and succulents is full of weird & wonderful choices from Hens & Chicks to the ever-popular ‘Angelina’ and ‘Autumn Joy’, most of them have smaller leaves and a lower profile than the non-hardy varieties. The larger foliage and somewhat bulkier profile of these annual types leads to dramatic contrasts of interesting textures, shapes and colors.
Using low, shallow containers filled with cactus mix, provides the ideal planting environment; it is best to have drain holes but if using a container with no holes, diligent and watchful watering with restraint will be your path to success. All (well, most all) succulents prefer full sun so be sure they are placed in an area with at least six hours of direct sun each day. If growing indoors, a south or west-facing windowsill are good options, with supplemental lighting in winter to keep it stocky and colorful. Once planted I like to use decorative rocks as a top-dressing to cover the soil for a clean, finished look. There are lots of different kinds ranging from natural to brightly hued tumbled glass (aka party rocks) so I’m able to tailor the finished look depending on the occasion.
The less-hardy types generally grow faster and as they grow they may spill over the sides of the container, intermingle, and lean on each other. Just like other annuals, they can be pinched and trimmed to shape and contain but what’s best about trimming them is that each piece can be easily rooted to create more of its kind! Each leaf, in fact, can be used to grow an entirely new plant – this will never cease to delight and amaze me. Many varieties have brightly colored flowers from time to time throughtout the year, a bonus added with the bold, textured foliage.
These seasonal succulents will begin to slow their growth as fall weather arrives and will die completely after the first frost. The entire plant or even pieces can be saved by bringing indoors before Halloween and grown inside through winter. I have plans to take cuttings from all of my succulents late this season and use them for a crafty fall pumpkin creation that will last me from Halloween through Thanksgiving. Stay tuned for that project update coming soon: Sedum Pumpkins!
This week we used these non-hardy sedums for a fun summer project – sedum hanging spheres.
You can find an assortment of these made by our creative team in stores while supplies last. Or, if you’d rather, pick up the materials and follow the tutorial below to make your own.
We sell a great assortment of metal sphere cages that will work for this planting project. Line them with burlap liner to provide a space to secure the soil.
Cactus planting mix is our recommended soil medium when planting succulents and sedums.
Pick a selection of fun colors, textures and sizes of succulents before you start planting.
Before planting, shake off exess soil (we love these tuff totes for garden projects).
It can be tricky to plant in these cages so be sure to handle the plants with care.
Top dressing with decorative moss is optional to present a finished look to the design. Here’s we’ve chosen to use spanish moss.
I have planted succulents in a retired pair of high-heel shoes (good riddance!), on top of birdhouses and chicken coop roofs, even used tiny cuttings planted into cored-out wine corks glued to magnets for my refrigerator. I have seen succulent cuttings used in bridal bouquets and boutonnieres like flowers and practically infinite project ideas are on Pinterest, Instagram and so on. One reason succulents are so popular is their versatility of uses due to their low-water needs and ease of care.
This popular gardening theme is especially fun during summer months, planting succulents together to create flashy, easy-care containers that work great as patio-table centerpieces, garden accents & gifts. Succulents come in all shapes and sizes and are generally grouped into two categories: winter hardy or NOT winter hardy (aka annual). Although the world of hardy sedums and succulents is full of weird & wonderful choices from Hens & Chicks to the ever-popular ‘Angelina’ and ‘Autumn Joy’, most of them have smaller leaves and a lower profile than the non-hardy varieties. The larger foliage and somewhat bulkier profile of these annual types leads to dramatic contrasts of interesting textures, shapes and colors.
Using low, shallow containers filled with cactus mix, provides the ideal planting environment; it is best to have drain holes but if using a container with no holes, diligent and watchful watering with restraint will be your path to success. All (well, most all) succulents prefer full sun so be sure they are placed in an area with at least six hours of direct sun each day. If growing indoors, a south or west-facing windowsill are good options, with supplemental lighting in winter to keep it stocky and colorful. Once planted I like to use decorative rocks as a top-dressing to cover the soil for a clean, finished look. There are lots of different kinds ranging from natural to brightly hued tumbled glass (aka party rocks) so I’m able to tailor the finished look depending on the occasion.
The less-hardy types generally grow faster and as they grow they may spill over the sides of the container, intermingle, and lean on each other. Just like other annuals, they can be pinched and trimmed to shape and contain but what’s best about trimming them is that each piece can be easily rooted to create more of its kind! Each leaf, in fact, can be used to grow an entirely new plant – this will never cease to delight and amaze me. Many varieties have brightly colored flowers from time to time throughtout the year, a bonus added with the bold, textured foliage.
These seasonal succulents will begin to slow their growth as fall weather arrives and will die completely after the first frost. The entire plant or even pieces can be saved by bringing indoors before Halloween and grown inside through winter. I have plans to take cuttings from all of my succulents late this season and use them for a crafty fall pumpkin creation that will last me from Halloween through Thanksgiving. Stay tuned for that project update coming soon: Sedum Pumpkins!
This week we used these non-hardy sedums for a fun summer project
– sedum hanging spheres.
You can find an assortment of these made by our creative team in stores while supplies last. Or, if you’d rather, pick up the materials and follow the tutorial below to make your own.
We sell a great assortment of metal sphere cages that will work for this planting project. Line them with burlap liner to provide a space to secure the soil.
Cactus planting mix is our recommended soil medium when planting succulents and sedums.
Pick a selection of fun colors, textures and sizes of succulents before you start planting.
Before planting, shake off exess soil (we love these tuff totes for garden projects).
It can be tricky to plant in these cages so be sure to handle the plants with care
Top dressing with decorative moss is optional to present a finished look to the design. Here’s we’ve chosen to use spanish moss.
