Summer Gardening: How to Propagate Succulents

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1. Succulents Preparation:

To start your own summer garden with succulents, you will need atleast one plant to start propagating. Pruning succulent plants helps them grow, so go ahead and ask your friendly neighbor for a few leaves from her plant. Pinch off a few waxy leaves from the plant you have in mind. Make sure that you get the entire leaf off the stem. The leaf will not grow roots if it is snapped from the middle. You can also cut about 2 inches of the stem instead of just the leaves.

Image via: Succulents and Sunshine

 2. Succulents Drying:

The succulent leaves and stem that you have collected need to dry completely before replanting. The drying process will help the leaves to callous over. If planted directly without drying, the leaves will absorb too much moisture from the soil and will rot. Leave the leaves out in a shady area for a week to dry out.  Once the leaves are dry, place them over potting soil. In about a week new roots and baby plants will start sprouting. The leaves do not need much moisture so water only once a week.

Image via: Needle and Leaves

 3. Succulents Planting:

The baby plants will take in their nourishment from the mother leaf. In another couple of weeks you will notice that the mother leaf has started to wither and dry. Once it is completely detached from the new baby plant, you can remove the baby plant from the soil and plant it in its own pot. Succulents should be placed in plenty of sunshine. Water these when the soil starts to dry up or atleast once a week.

Image via: Floral Verde

Succulents make great gifts for friends and family. You can also create an indoor terrarium with your new baby succulents. Summer gardening with succulents is fun and free.

For more succulent care and gardening tips on Stagetecture, click here.

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DIY Fairy Gardens: How to Find the Perfect Plants

Image via: Plow and Hearth – Fairy gardens starter kit 

Fairy Garden Supplies:

A large enough container (the size depends on your other supplies and how you want your fairy garden to look like)

Fairy garden kit

Fairy garden house

Fairy garden furniture

Fairy garden figurines

Succulent plants

Succulent potting soil

Image via: Etsy – Beach Cottage Boutique – Fairy gardens planter

Fairy Gardens: Easy Directions:

You can watch a video on how to make a fairy garden to get some inspiration.

Find the link to the video on how to make fairy gardens here.

1. Fill your container about 2/3 up with potting soil
2. There are a lot of ways to design your fairy garden, so take a few moments to imagine the layout of your plants and chosen items. You can loosely arrange them before putting them in to place, so that you will be happy with the result the first time around.
3. Plant your plants near the one side of your container or wherever you planned them in the previous step.
4. Place the items you chose and gently push them into the ground. Make any additions or adjustments you want and let the fairy magic begin!

Image via: Echo Valley – Gnome fairy gardens starter kit

Fairy houses and garden statues:

You can’t really make fairy gardens without fairy houses and at least a couple of fairy statues. You can find a vast variety for such supplies online and in garden supply stores, so it will be easy to find the ones you love. For a little bit of mystery, try having a large rock to represent a mountain and glue a simple fairy door to it.

Image via: Etsy – Laurels Fairy Doors – Fairy gardens door

How to choose succulents for fairy gardens:

If you’re stumped on what type of plants to use in your fairy garden, Empress of Dirt has a good article: Best Plants for Miniature Gardens to read. It will help you choose the right plants and ensure they thrive with enough water, air, temperature and more.

If you love succulents take a look at this topiary succulents sphere tutorial on How To Make a Burlap Wreath.com

Image via: Etsy – Succulent Salon – Succulent care

Making your own fairy gardens is a lot of fun and a wonderful hobby. It can help calming anxiety, get your imagination running and the results are such beautiful gardens that can be thoughtful presents for anybody. Especially children will really appreciate fairy gardens and will drive them to tell fun stories and even believe a little in magic! We love the guide to miniature fairy gardens from Martha Stewart which helps learning more about how to make and care for fairy garden.

For more succulent gardening ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Create Valentines Day Flower Arrangements

Image via: Southern Lady

Draw Inspiration from Valentines Day Centerpiece Ideas

To create a standout centerpiece, group flowers of the same shade in one vase. If you want a flower arrangement that will last, display an exotic plant that has been potted. To make a great centerpiece on a tight budget, simply buy flowers online for less and create the centerpiece of your dreams. A handmade centerpiece will not only brighten up your dining room, it will keep things lively and fun.

Put Flowers in Portable Containers

You don’t always have to put flowers in a vase and place them on your coffee table. Times have changed and so should you. Display your blooms in non-traditional containers like metal containers or hanging baskets. A crystal compote can also make a beautiful vase; you can support a bouquet of flowers with florist’s or transparent tape. Unique containers turn flowers into show-stopping décor.

Look to Unique Valentine’s Day Ideas

If you want your flower arrangements to make an impact, you have to go beyond conventional arrangements. Display your blooms in small bud vases for a striking effect. Choose flowers in different colors to show your love and to decorate your home. Pick flowers that cost less but fill a vase beautifully. Roses are the most expensive flowers on Valentine’s Day so buy other ones. Look for seasonal blooms that come in many hues. Place them in a large footed bowl and create a great alternative to traditional bouquets.

If you want to set the mood for love this Valentine’s, you must get creative. Create breathtaking Valentine’s Day flower arrangements that will make your loved one’s face light up. Think outside the box and you’ll be sure to impress them.

Which of the above arrangements will you try?

For more Valentine’s Ideas try making this succulent wreath!

Image via: Image via: Etsy – succulent wreath

For more Valentine’s Ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Make a Succulent Terrarium Tutorial

Image via: West Elm

Today you will see how to make a soil terrarium and watch a video on how to build one in a glass container or a bottle.

Image via: Etsy – Doodle Birdie – Succulent Terrarium

How to Make a Glass Terrarium:

Link to –> How to Make a Glass Terrarium Video

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How to make a glass terrarium:

You don’t have to miss all the greenery of your garden this winter. Just add a terrarium it will provide the green foliage you want in the interior. This wonderful piece of art is a great indoor plant decoration. It will add color to your space and enhance the oxygen supply in the room.

The terrarium is getting popular for its exceptional beauty and functionality. It makes a certain area at home look better and greener. If you’re interested in having this masterpiece, you can do it by yourself at home. You just have to prepare all the materials and tools needed for this project.

Terrarium Supplies:

• Glass container or glass terrarium
• Charcoal
• Soil
• Succulents, cacti or garden plants
• Working gloves
• Hand trowel
• Watering can

Directions:

1. Scatter the charcoal in the base of your glass container. This should be at least 1-2 inches thick. Leave a handful of charcoal.
2. Mix the remaining charcoal with a decent amount of soil. Use hand trowel and working gloves in mixing.
3. Add another layer of pure soil. This should cover at least a quarter or half of the container. Compress the soil gently as you fill in the layer. The process will prevent large air pockets.
4. Place your plants on top of the layered soil. Provide enough space for each plant you place. This will allow you to insert additional soil in between spaces.
5. Press the pack of soil around the plants. Do this gently and ensure that the roots are fully covered and that the plants will not go too far beyond the container.
6. Water the plants and place it in a conducive area where sunlight is present.
7. Allow the plants to adapt in its new location before relocating it to your desired area indoor.

Image via: West Elm

After placing your terrarium indoors, bear in mind that you still have to take care of it regularly. You have to water the plants regularly and trim the excess foliage that go beyond the container. This is definitely a worthwhile project you can do this winter! If you don’t feel like making a terrarium you can buy one from Terrain, we love their terrariums!

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture and more succulent care ideas, click here.

Image via: Better Homes & Gardens

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3 Beautiful Vertical Garden Ideas

Image via: HGTV

Pocket Planters

If you are a newbie, start with small pocket planters. Pockets are made of breathable, recycled material which looks similar to felt. You can start with one and add a few later to create different shapes. The planters come with all the important hardware except for the plants and soil. They can create lovely mini farms or hanging tropical gardens. Most of them can accommodate annuals, small perennials and edibles.

Tray Planters

Trays look like nursery flats. They are divided into planting cells slanted at 30-degree angles. They have holes at the bottom which promote aeration and drainage. The planters come with brackets for mounting but you may have to add wood frames to get a ‘wall art’ look. Plants you can grow in trays include succulents with shallow root systems, perennials, annuals, and edibles. When planting small perennials, annuals, and edibles, choose a tray with large cells.

Image via: Etsy

Pot Hangers

Pot hangers provide an easy way to create vertical gardens. You can buy ready-made ones or make your own. The pots have clamps on their backs which enable them to be fastened to walls. They are designed to endure different weather conditions and can carry as much as 100 pounds. You can grow different plants in pot hangers including kitchen herbs, pansies, and annuals; basically anything you’d grow in traditional pots.

Image via: Design Buzz

Vertical gardens are a great alternative to traditional gardens. They are fun to create and are perfect for people who don’t have a lot of space or those who want something out of the ordinary. Follow the above vertical garden ideas and you’ll be able to create living walls of annual, perennial, and edible plants that are pleasing to the eye.

If you have vertical gardens in your home, share with us how you display them.

For more gardening ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Indoor Gardening: Nurturing Houseplants without a Green Thumb

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Temperature

Temperature is important because most of the houseplants are tropical. Hot and dry conditions do not suit most of them. A moister and cooler environment helps them growing better and they thrive well in colder nights. If you have an adjustable thermostat, reduce the temperature almost 9-10 degrees at night. Plants like moth orchids will bloom early in this temperature.

Image via:  Flickr via Sheree

Light

Light is an essential element for plants. However, the requirement varies from plant to plant. Some plants need more direct light while some others need indirect light but for a longer time. Ferns grow well in darker places but carnivorous and succulents need bright light. On the other hand, plants with plain green foliage need light for a shorter time than flowering plants. South-facing windows will be better for plants that need brighter light.

Humidity and Water

Tropical plants like orchids, calathea, orchids, and ferns enjoy and respond better in a humid condition. Regular hand-held spray will fulfill their daily moisture need. This humid condition can also be created by grouping the plants together on a tray full of damp gravel.During the summer, the houseplants need more water than in winter. However, do not kill them by overwatering. Just keep the compost moist and do not water again until the soil almost dries out. To allow excess water to drain away, put saucers under the planters.

Image via: Mother Nature Network

Feeding

Except flowering plants, most other plants do not need to be feeding to grow. However, a weekly dose of liquid feed will help them grow better. It will always be effective to add a few granules of slow-release fertilizers into the compost of the plants at the time of putting them in the planters. As summer is their growing season, fertilize them during this time. In any case, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines so that you do not kill them by overfeeding.

Pruning & Cleaning

If dust gathers up on leaves, clean them with a piece of damp cloth. Unclean condition hinders the plants’ growth and makes them look ugly as well. On the other hand, it is also necessary to keep them in shape by pruning the wayward branches. Plus, remove the damaged leaves and dying flowers too.

Image via: Homeideasmag

Houseplants can brighten the dark corners, add visual interest, and bring color and texture to your home. Transform your house into a home by applying these tips for nurturing your houseplants.

For more gardening tips on Stagetecture, click here.

When succulents were introduced, its popularity was inevitable. People can’t resist the sculptural beauty and versatile decorative plants. The succulents require less maintenance. They maintain their vibrant beauty even at regular exposure under the sun and sporadic watering.

There are quite a number ways that you can create decorative succulent designs. These ideas make it very interesting for people who love natural decorative items to enhance their homes.

Image via: 24 Media

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If you’re interested in displaying your succulents in new designs, check out these wonderful ideas to enhance the looks of your home:

1. Succulent Wreath

This is perfect for your entry door. It’s a great way to greet your guest before entering your home. This idea is also perfect to enhance the looks of your patio. The succulent wreath adds color and style to any part where you desire to hang it. Since it is more of an exterior décor, you can occasionally sprinkle succulents with water to maintain moisture.

2. Hanging Succulent Garden

Have you ever thought of a hanging garden? Succulents will be the best option for this idea. It can withstand humidity and high temperature. These characteristics are perfect for a hanging garden project. Also, succulents have beautiful curves and colors that will capture that attention of anyone near them.

Image via: Flickr

3. Window Sill Succulent

If you want to give your window an upgrade, you better consider having succulents pile up. The sun rays entering your windows will make it shine through your interior. With the window sill succulent idea, your window will never look dull and plain. Your window will become a highlight and a sweet spot of your home.

You will never have a dull spot at home with these succulent ideas. Intensify your creativity in any of these ideas by placing addition spot lights or decorative pots to enhance its looks. Also, don’t forget to use proper tools and equipment for safe and accurate output.

For more gardening ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

One of the best ways to showcase your garden is by having attractive containers. Having plant containers allows you to move and arrange your landscape easily and quickly. A creative plant container can make a difference in your home garden.

Create The Perfect Summer Succulents Container Garden

Image via: The Rain Forest Garden

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Look at these creative ideas in creating the perfect summer container garden:

Jazz it up with an agave plant

Plant container can make a highlight with a blue agave plant. The natural sculpt of agave plant surrounded by pebbles will definitely create a stunning look. It is very simple yet so elegant. You can also pick some rocks and randomly spread it out in the container. This will add beauty to your plant container.

Give it an autumnal look

You can bring an autumnal welcome to your guests even if it’s summer. With just a combination of orange pansies, panolas and violas in a container, you can create a beautiful masterpiece in your garden. You can also add some grasses and green plants to enhance the looks. Try having them in groups with different container sizes.

Image via: Southern Living

Mix and match succulents

These heat-savvy plants are great options for summer. They can grow in high temperature with less water requirement. Succulents are very attractive when combined with other types. They form into a great landscape in a container. You can have a group of succulent plant container as your garden centerpiece.

Image via: The Nester

A beautiful container garden will never cease giving impression to people who come to your home. It’s a great welcome décor for your front entry or pathway.

For more gardening ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Your home’s exterior provides the first impression for guests coming into your home. The challenges of the external environment are never taken as an excuse for a dull home exterior. You can definitely do something to brighten up your home exterior and impress your guests from the outside.

One of the best parts of your home exterior that can be enhanced is the window boxes. The window boxes provide a great canvass for a perfect outdoor masterpiece. It’s the part of your home where you can create an impact and change the looks of your home exterior.

Image via: Shop Terrain

Try these creative ideas on brightening your exterior home with summer window boxes:

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Alternative flowers:

Kale or borecole is actually a vegetable that you can place in your exterior windows. It’s an attractive plant with green or purple leaves that are very attractive even when you look from afar. The leaves of the kale plant form a beautiful landscape for your window boxes. You can have Peacock or Nagoya kale combined with lemon cypress and purple violas.

Image via: Charleston Mag

Draw a focal point with your window box:

There’s no better way to make an impression than to create a contrast. You can showcase a winter-look in your window boxes by having a one element that will draw attention. For instance, you can have tall pyramid-shaped boxwood as your focal point. Match your boxwood with red nandina berries for a superb look.

Image via: Ellen Zee

Window boxes that create a statement:

If you want to make an impression, you have to make your window boxes interesting and unique. Think about what you have in your garden. Mix and match the foliage and everything you have to create a masterpiece. You can have different flowering plants as a combination.

Take time to plan for your window boxes before you start. Try the above-mentioned ideas and you will certainly get the most of your home’s exterior. Try switching out your plants seasonally and consider using artificial flowers if the climate is too hot or cold to sustain real flowers year around.

For more outdoor home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/brightening-your-exterior-home-with-summer-window-boxes/feed/ 0 48527 https://stagetecture.com/guest-blogger-spring-succulents-gardening-plant-ideas/ https://stagetecture.com/guest-blogger-spring-succulents-gardening-plant-ideas/#comments Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:25:26 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=44367 Spring time is here, which means it’s time to get out the gardening tools and get your garden started! A spring garden is a great place to grow all kinds of awesome fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants, so here are a few things you’ll need to start your spring garden the right way:

Image via: Instructables

Tools

Before you can get started, you need to have a few simple tools of the gardening trade. A trowel will help you dig into the ground, which will allow you to plant those special flowers and vegetables that you want to grow. Without a trowel, you won’t be able to do the gardening correctly.

A hoe will enable you to turn over the soil properly, and it will ensure that the seeds can grow in fresh soil that is rich with nutrients. A rake will ensure that you can get all the rocks and stones out of your garden, and will make it possible for you to level off the beds that you will be using to grow your plants.

In order to help your plants grow, you’re going to need some form of irrigation. Using a hose to water your plants by hand will be fine when they’re full grown, but water shooting from a hose can damage seedlings. It’s best to set up a sprinkler system for your garden, as it will give your plants plenty of water without risking damage.

If you really want to grow plants and flowers in style, a greenhouse will be the way to go. Setting up a greenhouse can be fairly simple, though perhaps not as inexpensive as you might like. It’s worth your investment, though, as a good greenhouse will ensure that your plants can grow in a protected environment.

Want to know the best plants this summer? Consider the following three plants:

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the trendy succulents that many people are growing, and they will make a very useful addition to your home. Not only will they be fairly tough, but they will be useful for your skin. If you have acne, get a sun burn, or scald yourself in the kitchen, you can rush out to the garden and use the natural plant to soothe the pain.

Image via: The Gardens

Lettuce 

There’s nothing like a garden salad made with lettuce that you just picked minutes before, and there will be no wilted leaves to throw off the taste of your delicious salad. You’ll find that growing your own lettuce this spring will be fairly easy, and it will enable you to serve up tasty treats to your family. Keeping healthy by eating your veggies is important, so grow lettuce in your garden to be served at your table!

Pentas 

Pentas flowers are sweet little blooms that will not only add color and life to your garden, but they’ll attract birds and butterflies as well. You can attract wildlife to your garden, and planting these flowers will turn your garden into a beautiful bird and butterfly garden. With a few trees to provide shade and these deliciously colorful flowers to provide food, you’ve got the perfect place to see birds and butterflies!

You’ve got everything you need to plant your garden, so it’s time to get out and get working. Your green thumb will serve you well this spring, so have fun growing plants, vegetables, and fruits in your garden as spring transitions into warm summer!

For more gardening tips on Stagetecture, click here.