terrarium *update* new babies
Last summer I started a succulent terrarium and taught you how to do the same. (see the instructions here) This summer, I took some clippings and started a tiny new terrarium.
Most succulents propagate quite easily. Many websites list long and complicated rooting rituals which include special serums and plastic enclosures , but I’ve found that snipping off a piece and placing it cut side down in moist soil will often times do the trick.
*** click on the pictures to see details in full size ***
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- This is the terrarium when I started it in June 2009.
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- This is the same terrarium in 2010. I harvested some clippings from here to make my new terrarium.
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- Before I snapped this picture I took a few clippings. The one on the left, I used scissors to cut off about an inch and a half of the top, right above a stem joint. On the right, I bent off a piece, gently with my fingers.
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- Place the clippings, broken side down, into damp cactus soil. Keep the soil damp for the first few weeks then allow it to dry out as per the usual watering cycle for succulents.
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- This picture shows new growth from clippings taken from the succulent on the right in my terrarium. The end was burried in the soil and a new sprout came up from the roots adjacent to the clipped piece.
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- On the right is the new tiny terrarium I made with clippings and overgrowth from my older terrariums. On the left is my incubator (of sorts) with recent clippings waiting to take root.
tomato can herb garden
Empty tomato cans make the perfect pot for a seasonal Italian herb garden. See my old post for easy instructions on growing green at home. Bon Appetit!
rooting and revisting
New home. New needs. New uses for old projects.
Since I’ve moved, the floating herb garden has been dangling succulents and rooting cuttings.
cookie jar terrarium
Assembling a terrarium is rather simple, provided you have the right materials. The easiest to maintain is a succulent terrarium like this, for it requires lots of light and little water.
To get started you need to find a glass container. I used an old cookie jar, but anything from a glass vase to an empty pickle jar will do. Unlike a tropical terrarium, a succulent habitat is open air and does not require a lid.
The layers are outlined visually above…
Starting at the bottom, add rocks for drainage. For a personal touch, I added a layer of shells I collected recently at the beach (this is not required).
On top of the rocks, place a thin layer of charcoal. Charcoal for plants is sold almost anywhere you can buy soil, just ask. The charcoal layer helps to absorb impurities and prevent fungus from growing in the container.
After the charcoal, a layer of cactus soil, then your plants. If possible, leave a little space between your plants to give them room to multiply and grow.
09/16/09 The newest additions to my household…
The mini terrarium, made with an empty salsa jar and old fish tank gravel & the floating terrarium, inspired from this project.
garden-fairy houses
Spring is here, and so are the the garden fairies. Garden fairies come out at night when everyone is asleep and help your flowers grow. If you make them a beautiful home and put it in the garden your flowers will flourish and your veggies will plump. And when it rains, the fairies will have somewhere to dry their wings and enjoy a cup of nectar.
Plastic containers from the recycle bin work best for this project. We used empty mushroom containers and a natural potpourri of flower petals, twigs and leaves collected in and around the home for crafting. A waterproof glue is recommended if you want your houses to last.
Supplies:
- empty mushroom containers
- washable craft glue
- potpourri twigs and leaves
- leftover easter grass
- scissors
-extras: glitter glue, foam stickers, beads
What To Do:
Turn the container upside down and cut a door.
Pour some glue into a plastic container lid and use old paint brushes to apply a thick layer of glue to the container.
Affix the potpourri, twigs and leaves to the wet glue, trying to cover as much of the plastic container as possible.
Allow the glue to dry overnight and then place it in the garden for your little fairy friends.
**We were having so much fun with our houses we whipped out beads, stickers, pompoms and leftover Easter grass, then adorned the entire house with sparkly glitter glue**
The above house was done by a 5 year old girl. She did everything from the cutting to design and decorating on her own (with supervision, of course).