Angela of SeeSaw Designs

Resolution #5:
Liven up a corner of your home.
Guest Blog post by Angela of SeeSaw Designs

Hello! I’m Angela Hardison and I’m happy to be here. I think one of the best ways to liven up a corner of your home is with fresh flowers or plants. One thing I’d love to work on throughout this year is my green thumb (or rather, turning my black thumb green). What I really want is a garden, but I’m starting simple by bringing some green indoors. Succulents are a perfect place to start because they require a little less care and attention to survive. Plus, they’re cute. Here’s how to make your own mini succulent garden in a lightweight concrete planter.

For this project, you will need:

• Portland cement
• Perlite
• Peat
• Water
• Large & small containers
• Gloves
• Succulents & potting soil

The great thing about these planters is you can make them in any shape and size you want. I went for a simple, modern rectangle because I had cardboard boxes on hand for the form.

1. Mix equal parts cement, perlite and peat in a large container.
2. Slowly add water, stirring until the mixture has a consistency like cottage cheese.
3. Transfer some of the mixture into the bottom of the larger, outer box, then place the inner box inside.
4. Fill up the sides to the desired height, making sure to pack tightly to the bottom and sides.
5. Leave to dry for roughly 24 hours or until the mixture is firm and holds its shape.
6. Remove the inner and outer box, then let dry for an additional few days. (The concrete will continue to dry for a week or so, and will lighten as it does so. In the photos, mine had only been dry for 2 days so it is still a bit dark.)

7. Gather various succulents or other small potted pots, along with additional soil, and re-plant them in the concrete container.

8. Enjoy your mini garden, indoors or outdoors. (note: If you keep it indoors, make sure it’s next to a window for sunlight. And take the planter outside when watering because it’s naturally porous.)

Thanks to Mandi for having me. Visit my personal blog here, or SeeSaw for daily inspiration.

Happy New Year!

 

Comments

[Mandi]

I think I'm going to have to try succulents, because I keep killing other fancy plants I try!

[Van]

This is so lovely! Love the texture of this home made planter.

Make sure your succulents get PLENTY of light and have the right soil mixture:

Regular potting mix with about 1/4 sand added. The other 3/4 can be straight up potting mix.

They need very good drainage, which is why the sand helps.

[emily @ the daily smudge]

thankyou for this delightful treat. my friend always calls succulents 'spectaculars' by mistake... true in this matter though :)

[AnnaBananaCupcake]

Sweet post! I love container gardens.
XOXO

[Sasha]

Wow this is a lovely idea.

[Shirin]

what a great idea! I would feel so proud if I made my own planter..

[Victoria / Justice Pirate]

wow that is beautiful!!!! How creative!

[paula]

angela this is gorgeous!

[Becca]

THis is such a cute idea! I love succulents, they are such pretty little plants.

[Rachel]

Oh wow- that's gorgeous! I can't wait to do this! I would also love to link to this post if you didn't mind.

[Melly office plants]

Amazing, I really love the images you took and what you did for it.
I love the plants, they are so lovely.
Thanks for the nice post.
I really enjoyed it.

[bark chipping]

Looking good! Everything looks nice and healthy.

[soilless grow]

You are absolutely right bark chipping. I agree with you.

[Irma Perl]

That looks great! The flowers are very cute while the rough concrete looks more natural than a pot or a vase. They match together perfectly.

[Julie]

what are those yellow pom poms in the white vase?