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Life List: How to Make a Succulents Wreath

by ‎04-29-2015 02:30 PM - edited ‎12-18-2015 12:18 PM

If you know me, you know there are two hobbies I just love...gardening and crafting. So of course, it really doesn't get better than combining the two! Smiley Happy I spent the past couple of weekends attending different classes at a local nursery, and I got to do exactly that when I started my own succulents wreath!!

 

 

The first step was to choose the base. The nursery had traditional wreath bases and heart-shaped wreath bases available.

 

 

 

 

For the convenience of everybody taking the class, the bases were pre-packed with soil and wrapped in moss ahead of time...it is a little messy but not hard to do this yourself if you want to make your own! Purchase a hollow wire wreath base at any craft store, line the base with a fabric like burlap, fill it with soil, fold the burlap over the soil and hot glue the burlap shut. Then, you secure the base closed and wrap it with moss, which you secure to the base with crafting twine.

 

Next we chose our succulents, and what a beautiful variety we had to choose from!

 

 

 

The plants selected for us were specific to our growing zone to ensure that the wreaths will last through the season. You could also choose to make an herb or begonia wreath, which I thought were so clever and charming as well...

 

 

 

But ultimately, the succulents with their exotic looks and exciting variety caught my eye the most! I chose a bunch of them, and the next step was to separate them and remove the dirt.

 

 

 

 

Then, we took these super-long nails and poked small holes into the base.

 

 

 

These holes were where we inserted our succulents into the wreath. I had to ignore the temptation to completely cover the base. The plants will grow and spread over the wreath, so I didn't want to overdo it.

 

 

 

My next step was easy...I left my creation at the nursery, where it is growing in their greenhouse! When it is ready to come home with me, I've been instructed to hang it in direct sunlight, and after that, I need to soak it in water with a capful of miracle grow once per month. (Turns out a trash can lid is the perfect tool for the task!) In the winter I will move it into my shed or garage and water once more for the season...

 

At the nursery they also created garden blocks using succulents. (Just some more inspiration for you!)

 

 

 

I went by myself but met a QVC viewer, Karen! I am anxious to share it with you in a few weeks when it is ready to go. I loved doing this project...have you tried a garden class or craft yourself? I'd love to hear about it, and other gardening projects.

 

All the best...

 

Pat

 

Tune in Friday 5/1 at 10pm ET to keep me company during Fashionably Late-Jayne will have the day off, so I'll be flying solo. Be sure to check out my Facebook page for our Mid-Week Sneak Peek (#MWSP) item, and if you haven't already, be sure to like my page to get fresh updates each week. And keep checking Facebook throughout the week for all kinds of fun! 

 

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