Kent Heartstrings: succulent

Pallet Vertical Succulent Garden // DIY

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

I have been wanting to do this project for over a year. This pallet has literally been sitting in my backyard just waiting for me to get motivated....and I am thankful I finally did! After much Pinterest educating, I tackled this long overdue project....can you tell I love succulents this now is the 4th or 5th succulent project I have made!

Supplies:

Pallet

Landscaping Fabric

Staple Gun

5 Cubic feet of Dirt (I bought the kind specific for succulents)

Succulents

Step 1: Obtain a Pallet. I am sure there are several ways you can obtain them for free. Here in San Diego we seem to have them in every alley, so once I saw this one in decent shape I scooped it up. I stained it a dark color, before I started and I am glad I did it makes the green of the succulents really Pop! Also sand down any really jagged edges.

Step 2: Take your Landscaping fabric, measure it out the size of your pallet. I measured mine out 3 times the size I needed so I could fold it over upon itself and thus creating a thicker barrier.

Step 3: Staple the heck out of it. staple everywhere. Especially focus on the bottom and the sides making sure it is tightly fixed.

Step:4 Place Pallet flat on the ground, opening side up. ***IMPORTANT*** place your pallet as close to where you want to permanently place it, because it will be VERY heavy. I was shocked it took 2 grown men to move my pallet about a yard and it was a strenuous activity.

Step 5: Add dirt. Maybe it was because my pallet was larger then others, but I went through 5 bags of dirt! I saw a tutorial that only called for one, so I bought 2, then I had to go to the store for more....then again for more...totaling 5 bags. So I recommend if you don't want to make several trips get more then you need! Pack it in nice and tight especially on the bottom.

Step 6: Add Succulents. My pallet garden is thankfully made entirely from cuttings I was able to get them from neighbors, family, friends and even my own yard and I still keep adding to it! This was a HUGE save on cost!

Step 7: Ideally let it sit for a few weeks in order to allow plants to root before moving it vertical. I waited about a week though, and it was fine.

Succulents do not need to watered a ton, maybe once a week. Enjoy your vertical pallet garden.

Photo Credit: Pictures of the Pallet Vertical Garden were beautifully taken by the amazing Katie Beverley

If you love succulents...like me, here are a few more fun projects:

Succulents Favors or Gifts

Succulent Terrarium

Linking With:

Succulent Terrarium // DIY

Friday, June 20, 2014

I am slightly succulent obsessed. This is one of the many projects I have going on right now that deal with succulents. The reason why I love them so much is you don't need a green thumb (phew! the pressure is off!) they are very hard to kill and need very little work. Which is good for me, because I seem to kill anything that grows! This is an easy-peasy project for you to make a low-maintenance garden for your home.

Materials:

1. Glass vessel of any shape or size

2. rocks/gravel

3. Activated Charcoal (found at your local pet store- this helps prevent mold and bacteria from building up)

4. Moss (optional)

5. Potting Soil

6. Succulents

7. Decorative touches- a fun top layer (I used a sparkly broken glass looking stuff intended for a vase filler to add a fun glittery effect on mine) you can also add more rocks, wood, seashells, miniature figurines...whatever you fancy, and all entirely optional

Putting it all together:

In your glass vessel of choice do the following steps:

1. Add gravel/rocks about 1 inch thick or more depending on your preference

2. Add a thin layer of activated charcoal

3. Add moss (optional) I wanted it more for looks, but it also helps keep the moisture in

4. Add soil 1-2 inch thick

5. Add succulents (I used trimmings from my yard, so I didn't even have to purchase new ones...free .99 baby!)

6. Add all the decorative touches you want...or not

Terrarium Maintenance:

Just an occasion spritzing of water once a week and put in a place in your home that gets good indirect sunlight

Enjoy your little (practically no maintenance) garden!

Fingers crossed I wont kill this one! ;)

Want even more terrarium inspiration?!!! Come check out what 15+ ladies did when they got to make their own Terrariums at Kreative! Click Here.

Linking up with:

Show-Licious Craft and Recipe Party, The 36th Avenue , Creativity Unleashed, Creative Collection Party, The Charm of Home, Fabulously Creative Party, Romantic Home, Elizabeth and Joan Designs, Mod Mix Monday, Home Stories A-Z

Cupcakes and Crinoline, CedarHill Farmhouse, Inspire Me Monday, The DIYers, Create Link Inspire, A Stroll Thru Life

Bloggers Digest, Green Willows Pond, The Blissful Bee, Designed by BH, Mostly Homemade Mom, Love Pasta and a tool belt, The Style Sisters, Grace at Home, From My Front Porch to Yours, Saving for Six, Addicted 2 DIY, Redoux Interiors

Ruffles and Rainboots, Turn it up Tuesday, Sunday Showcase, DIY Party, Think Pink, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Inspiration Party Monday, Best of the Nest, Link it or Lump it, Little Red Window

Short and Sweet // DIY Succulent Favor

Friday, June 13, 2014

A short and sweet DIY Succulent favor/gift/decoration I have for you today. I made these ones for Easter gifts for my friends and family. These would make great wedding favors, teacher gifts, just thinking of you gift....you get the idea, so here is how.