Succulent box hung this weekend.
We finally hung this vertical box fill with succulent clippings. I have lost track exactly when this yard sale score was acquired, but we set it up to grow last October 2009.
We love that San Francisco has yard sales, flea markets, etc. year round which provide an endless supply of cheap containers. This one was picked up for 50 cents. It is one of those funny little objects which we have no clue what it was used for…maybe a kids toy…maybe some type of drink holder.
About 14 weeks later, it is filled in and hanging.
We pried off the back of the pressed wood box, lined the inside with a synthetic red mesh, followed by a layer of sphagnum moss and a little cactus soil. Using a pencil, we poked holes through the mesh and stuck in a variety of succulent cuttings taken from around out garden. We then let it lay flat so that the succulents could take root and secure themselves when it hangs vertically.
Vertical box fits well next to the buoy we found washed up on the beach.
As you can see from the before and after photos, some of the succulents grew more aggressively than others. Before hanging it this past weekend, we gave it a haircut and popped in a couple more succulent cuttings in order to balance out the color and texture. Here is a what it looked like back in October 2009.
Succulent clippings planted in Oct. 2009. How it looked originally.
– Matti Far Out Flora
February 9, 2010 at 2:19 pm
This is different from the other one? The shiny one I mean – a few posts ago… I like this too, I like the “rusty” look on this. Your succulents look great.
February 9, 2010 at 8:28 pm
It is a different one. I think the the shiny one is the favorite of the two.. Matti
February 9, 2010 at 5:35 pm
I love your idea, I’ve done succulent wreaths. We have a wild succulent garden near our home and they are free for the picking. I love ideas of how to use them.
February 9, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Great vertical garden, although is the box water proof?
Lushe
http://www.lushe.com.au
February 9, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Hello Lushe,
You are correct with your concern about it being water proof. It occurred to me at the time I made it that it will probably not be a permanent structure. But my intent for this piece was to add a little flare on our fence in the backyard and was willing to enjoy it for as long as it last which I expect a 2-3 year lifespan.
Matti
February 10, 2010 at 5:31 am
I had a dream last night about making my own! I’m jealous of yours – it’s so cool looking. Now, if only I could find a container for 50 cents!
February 10, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Hi, Matti — What a great idea: A found object planted with succulents mounted on a garden wall. I show something similar in my new book (Succulent Container Gardens) but I must say, I like yours as much or better! Btw, I’ll be in the Bay Area in March giving presentations at Ruth Bancroft, UC Berkeley Botanic Garden and SF F&G Show (details are on my website’s presentations page). If you can make it to any of them, I’d love to meet in person! Debra
February 10, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Hi Debra – We have already secured tickets for your Ruth Bancroft and SF F&G presentations. Megan and I came across your first book, Designing with Succulents, last year, and immediately fell in love with it. Since last year, we have been anxiously waiting for Succulent Container Designs to come out. We bought a copy the week it hit the stands. You have outdone yourself. Congratulations! We look forward to see you in person soon. Matti and Megan
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May 17, 2012 at 5:50 pm
That box with the holes you bought for 50 cents is a cat toy..you put small balls, objects, etc inside and the cat puts it paws in and knocks them around. Actually, my cat never even touched it. I think I will fill it with succulents!! thanks!