SUMMER 'LiViNG' CENTERPiECE

SUCCULENTS

Succulent plants are part of the Cactaceae family found in warm, arid regions, having fleshy, leafless, usually spiny stems, and showy flowers. They have shallow root systems allowing them to thrive in very small amounts of soil.  Very easy to grow with minimal care, they are the perfect choice for those who lack a 'green thumb' yet still might enjoy something alive and green in the house!  Succulents make ideal low centerpieces on a table as long as they receive bright light during the day.

If you want to give it a try, follow the instructions.  Feel free to bring your own creativity to the table with a unique, shallow container... a variety of succulents and a not-so-plain candle or grouping of votives. 

Shall we give it a go? 

THE LiST:

*  A deep dish or platter with sides. 

We used a flower pot saucer that is 1.5"Dx14"diameter.

*  4-5 lbs. small river rock

*  Small bag of potting soil
*  Sharp sand

*  Succulent plants, enough to fill the perimeter of the platter

*  Pillar candle and glass surround, if desired

HOW TO:

Take a trip to the nearest nursery or home improvement store and you will most likely find an assortment of small, inexpensive succulents.  We chose plants without cactus prickles and picked a variety of seven different shapes, sizes and textures. 

If you do not have a vessel for planting at home, consider purchasing a flower pot saucer and a small bag of potting soil.

Next stop... the hobby store to purchase small river rock (the floral section), a candle and glass surround.  If the container you are using has an abrasive bottom, you may want to use cork, felt or another material to protect delicate surfaces.  (We used a cork circle underneath the saucer to protect our glass top table.)

PUTTiNG iT TOGETHER

 1-  Place a layer of river rock in the bottom of planting platter/saucer.

2-  Mix equal parts of sand and soil. Layer an inch (or more) of soil mixture over the top to cover the rock.

3-  Place each pot of succulents on top of the soil.  Placing larger succulents opposite one another and fill in with smaller plants.

4-  Work with one pot at a time. Carefully remove plant from its pot and gently shake half of the soil from the roots.

5-  Gently spread out the roots over the soil and cover with additional dirt. 

6-  Repeat the process until all plants are placed in the soil and roots are covered.

7-  Place a single layer of river rock over the top of soil using it to support the succulents.

8-  Add a pillar candle to the center and surround it with glass.

Voila! It is finished and you have a living centerpiece to enjoy for many months/years to come. 

  

SUCCULENT CARE:

All these hardy little plants need to flourish is bright sunlight and a little water.  They are drought tolerant when established, needing watering only when soil is dry.  They thrive best in well-drained soil as they do not do well with 'wet feet' in soggy soil.  Therefore, do NOT over water!  Succulents need bright daylight and if given enough sun, some varieties can blush brilliant red like a sunset over the Mediterranean.   While most succulents are slow growers, aloe is the exception and will outgrow its pot quickly. Offshoots of all varieties may be transplanted into another container as plants grow and crowd one another.  For more detailed instruction on succulent care, 'google' the name of your specific variety.

Hopefully you are enjoying the little things in life 
(like a mini succulent-garden centerpiece, a dandelion gifted by a child or the smile of a friend) 
 and continue restoring beauty wherever you can!
 

If you don't have a smile, I'll give you one of mine.