Crafting Your Own Living Art: A DIY Succulent Wreath Planter Project
There’s nothing quite like the embrace of summer, especially when you have a cherished outdoor retreat to call your own. For me, that sanctuary is my porch, a vibrant haven where every moment is savored. Nestled in my favorite hanging chair, surrounded by my beloved plant babies, it’s the perfect spot to greet the morning with a cup of coffee and unwind at night with a glass of wine. This space truly defines my daily rhythm, offering a peaceful beginning and a serene end to each day. It’s where I feel most connected to nature, a personal oasis that continually inspires my green thumb.
The Vision: Cultivating a Vertical Garden Oasis
My passion for greenery is boundless, and I’m always on the hunt for the next botanical beauty to integrate into my outdoor living space. Regular visits to local nurseries are a ritual, each trip fueled by the desire to add more life and layers to my plant collection. My dream for this porch area is to see it completely enveloped in lush foliage, a veritable jungle of green from top to bottom. I envision the existing lattice transforming into a cascade of hanging vines and delicate succulents, creating a breathtaking vertical garden that truly blurs the line between indoors and out. The idea of a living wall, brimming with diverse textures and vibrant colors, has long captivated my imagination, promising to elevate the aesthetic and the very essence of my relaxation zone.
This grand vision felt one step closer to reality when the wonderful team at Planted Places reached out. They generously sent over one of their exquisite succulent wall kits for me to experiment with, an invitation I eagerly accepted. I had always yearned to try my hand at creating a succulent wall planter, a piece of living art that could contribute to my verdant aspirations. The moment the kit arrived, my excitement soared, and within a mere ten minutes of its delivery, I was diving headfirst into the project, ready to transform my vision into a tangible display of botanical beauty.
Discovering Planted Places: A Business Rooted in Passion
Before even breaking the seal on the package, Planted Places had already made a significant impression. Their core values resonated deeply with my own. First and foremost, they are a small business, which immediately garners my support. There’s a unique charm and personal touch that often comes with independent enterprises, and I always strive to champion them. Secondly, they are local to my area, based in the picturesque town of Los Gatos, California. Supporting businesses within my community feels incredibly rewarding, fostering local economies and connections. Lastly, and perhaps most inspiringly, Planted Places is a female-owned company. This trifecta of attributes truly speaks to my preferences and values, making them precisely “my jam,” as I like to say. It’s empowering to support entrepreneurs who are bringing their passion to life, especially within the green industry.
The specific kit I received was the captivating Wreath Succulent Frame Kit, accompanied by a stunning collection of “burnt coral” succulents. The choice of a wreath frame was particularly exciting, as it offered a unique circular canvas for my living artwork, promising a beautiful focal point for my porch. The burnt coral succulents, with their warm, earthy tones and vibrant hues, perfectly complemented my existing decor and offered a beautiful contrast against the lush green backdrop I envisioned.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions: A Complete DIY Solution
One of the most impressive aspects of the Planted Places kit was its completeness. It truly arrived with everything meticulously packaged and ready to use, leaving no guesswork or last-minute trips to the garden center. From the sturdy wreath frame itself to the various succulent plants, the specialized soil, and even the decorative moss, every single component needed for successful assembly was thoughtfully included. This level of detail makes the kit an ideal choice for both seasoned gardeners looking for a convenient project and novices eager to dive into the world of succulent artistry without feeling overwhelmed.
Beyond the comprehensive contents, the instructions provided were exceptionally well-written. They were clear, concise, and incredibly easy to follow, guiding me through each step with precision. This clarity instilled confidence, making the entire DIY succulent project feel approachable and enjoyable rather than daunting. It’s a testament to Planted Places’ commitment to ensuring a positive and successful experience for their customers, transforming what could be a complex undertaking into a straightforward creative endeavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Succulent Masterpiece
Embarking on this DIY succulent wreath planter project was an absolute joy, guided by the straightforward instructions. Let me walk you through the simple steps to create your own beautiful living wall art.
Preparing Your Moss: The Foundation for Growth
The first crucial step involved preparing the moss that would line the wreath planter. Moss plays a vital role in succulent planters, helping to retain moisture and provide a stable base for the roots. The instructions called for soaking the moss, but I opted for a more controlled approach, using a water bottle to lightly mist and spray it. This method allowed me to hydrate the moss thoroughly without risking over-drenching, which can sometimes lead to excessive sogginess and potential issues for succulent health. I ensured the moss was moist but not dripping, achieving that perfect balance needed for a healthy planting environment. This careful hydration ensures the moss can perform its function effectively without becoming a waterlogged barrier.
Hydrating Your Succulents: A Pre-Planting Boost
While the moss was absorbing its moisture, the next step focused on the star of the show: the succulents themselves. Before transplanting, it’s beneficial to give the succulents a good drink in their existing nursery pots. This pre-watering helps to ensure their root systems are well-hydrated, reducing transplant shock and making them more resilient during the transition to their new home. It also helps the soil in their nursery pots hold together, making it easier to remove them cleanly without damaging delicate roots. I carefully watered each succulent, allowing any excess water to drain away, preparing them for their exciting new arrangement in the wreath planter.
Building the Foundation: Soil Application
With the moss and succulents prepared, it was time to construct the planter’s foundation. I began by carefully filling the wreath frame with potting soil, layering it on top of the pre-soaked moss. The choice of soil is critical for succulents, as they thrive in well-draining conditions. For this project, it’s essential to use a regular potting soil that offers good aeration and prevents waterlogging. I opted for my trusted “Organic Patio Plus” soil, known for its excellent drainage properties and nutrient content, which provides an ideal environment for succulents to flourish. Ensuring an even distribution of soil creates a stable and fertile bed for the roots, encouraging healthy growth and establishment within the vertical design.
Designing Your Layout: The Dry Fit
Before committing to planting, the “dry fitting” stage is invaluable. This involves arranging the succulents, still in their nursery pots, onto the soil-filled wreath frame to visualize the final layout. This step is a creative playground, allowing you to experiment with different arrangements, considering the varying sizes, colors, and textures of each succulent. I spent time moving the plants around, looking for the perfect balance and aesthetic appeal. This ensures that when you finally plant them, you’re confident in your design choice and avoid unnecessary disturbance to the plants. It’s an opportunity to ensure each plant has adequate space to grow and that the overall composition is pleasing to the eye, creating a harmonious living display.
Bringing Your Vision to Life: Planting the Succulents
Once the perfect arrangement was determined during the dry fit, it was time to carefully plant each succulent into the soil. This delicate process requires a gentle touch to avoid damaging the roots or delicate leaves. I carefully removed each succulent from its nursery pot, gently teasing apart any compacted roots if necessary, and then nestled it into its designated spot in the wreath frame. Using a small trowel or even my fingers, I created a small depression, placed the succulent, and then firmed the soil around its base, ensuring it was securely in place. The goal is to provide a snug fit without burying the plant too deeply. I worked my way around the wreath, meticulously planting each succulent, watching my design come to life with every addition.
The Finishing Touch: Decorative Moss
The final step in the planting process involved adding the decorative moss, which was thoughtfully included in the kit. This step is both aesthetic and practical. Aesthetically, the moss fills in any gaps between the succulents, creating a polished and cohesive look that mimics their natural growing environments. It adds a beautiful textural element, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the succulent wreath. Practically, the moss helps to suppress weeds, retain moisture in the soil, and prevent soil erosion, especially important for a vertical planter. I carefully arranged the moss around each plant, pressing it gently into the soil, creating a lush, verdant carpet that completed the living artwork. This layer of moss not only beautifies the planter but also provides a beneficial microclimate for the succulents.
Nurturing Your New Living Art: Post-Planting Care
Once all the succulents were beautifully arranged and the decorative moss was in place, I gave the entire wreath a careful and thorough watering. This initial watering helps to settle the soil around the newly planted roots and gives the succulents a final drink. After watering, I gently cleaned up any stray soil or debris from the edges of the wreath, ensuring a neat and tidy finish. This attention to detail contributes to the overall presentation of your living art.
A crucial step following planting, especially for vertical planters like a succulent wreath, is the settling period. Instead of immediately hanging it, I allowed the wreath to rest horizontally for about a week and a half. This waiting period is incredibly important as it gives the succulents ample time to establish their roots within the new soil and frame. During this time, the roots begin to anchor themselves, making the plants more secure. Skipping this step and hanging the wreath too soon can cause the plants, and even the soil, to shift or fall out, undoing all your hard work. This patient approach ensures that when your succulent wreath is finally displayed, it remains intact and continues to thrive as a stunning piece of vertical garden decor.
The Joy of a Completed Project: A Thriving Home Oasis
The moment I finally hung my completed succulent wreath planter, a wave of immense satisfaction washed over me. I absolutely adore the final product! It’s a vibrant, dynamic piece of living art that perfectly complements my porch oasis, adding an undeniable touch of charm and natural beauty. The burnt coral succulents stand out beautifully against the green moss and the rustic frame, creating a captivating focal point that draws the eye and sparks conversation. Every glance brings a smile, a testament to the therapeutic power of connecting with nature through hands-on creation.
I am incredibly excited to watch it grow and evolve over time. Succulents are resilient and fascinating plants, and observing their slow, steady growth and spread will be a continuous source of joy. This vertical garden isn’t just a decorative item; it’s a living, breathing component of my personal sanctuary, a constant reminder of the beauty that can be cultivated with a little effort and a lot of love. It truly is the perfect addition to my little outdoor haven, contributing to the serene and inspiring atmosphere I cherish so much.
More from Planted Places: Thoughtful Gifts for Every Green Thumb
Planted Places offers an incredible array of charming planter kit options, extending far beyond just succulent wreaths. Their diverse collection ensures there’s something for every taste and every corner of your home or garden. These thoughtfully curated kits make truly wonderful gifts for friends, family, or anyone who appreciates the beauty of plants and the satisfaction of a DIY project. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a housewarming, or simply want to show someone you care, a Planted Places kit is a unique and heartfelt present that keeps on giving as the plants thrive.
Personally, I’ve fallen in love with their zinc planter kits. The sleek, modern aesthetic of the zinc combined with the natural beauty of succulents or other plants creates a striking visual appeal that can elevate any space. Exploring their selection is an inspiring experience, and I highly recommend visiting their website to discover the perfect living gift or next project for your own home.
Join the Succulent Conversation!
Have you ever embarked on the rewarding journey of building a succulent wall planter or any other vertical garden project? I’d love to hear about your experiences, your creative designs, and any tips or tricks you’ve discovered along the way. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s inspire each other to cultivate more green beauty in our lives! Until next time, happy planting!
*I received the succulent planter kit from Planted Places in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are authentically my own.