Plant Some Succulents

Succulents are very hip plants.  They come in many funky shapes and varieties. What really captured our attention was the key phrases “low maintenance” and “minimal water”. We have been known to kill a few things in our day. Some terrible people have even suggested we have black thumbs!  We opened a bottle of Rosé and got busy making succulent planter boxes that turned out really great and appear to be surviving a few days later!

Step 1.  Make the planter box or just pick out a container.

  

 We used lumber scraps.  For full disclosure our planter boxes were assembled by a local woodworker, Ryan McGrath.  He got a really skeptical look in his eyes when we asked to borrow a hammer and nails. We probably could have done just as good of a job…Maybe.

After the boxes were assembled the wood was “aged” by Ryan using a solution of vinegar and steel wool.  To do this technique place a piece of extra fine steel wool in a glass jar, fill the jar with distilled white vinegar and let is set for at least 24 hours.  Brush on the wood liberally and then rinse well with water.

We lined the bottom of our planter boxes with screen to allow for better drainage without the soil spilling out.

Step 2. Selecting your plants.

Succulents have varying sun, water, and temperature needs.  Select complementary  zoned plants for your succulent box.  We wish someone, who has a lot of knowledge and was there while we were buying ours, would have told us that! Live and learn.

Step 3.  Prepare the soil.

To plant succulents use a mix of potting soil and gravel. This allows for really good drainage. We found the gravel we used in the aquarium section. Once mixed wet the soil.

Step 4. Plant.

 Step 5.  Finish the wine and enjoy your handiwork.

Of course Cindy had to outdo us by putting a bird on it!