Monday, March 22, 2010

Cactus and Succulent Basket/Topiary

Happy Cactus Monday!

One single cactus

This cactus photo was taken when I visited the Melbourne Botanical Garden on Saturday. I went a bit crazy taking photographs at the cacti/succulent sections. There were so many varieties that I have not seen before. I have yet to sort out all the photos so for now, I only have this to share…

Cactus in black and white © Evelyn Howard 2010

I am enjoying taking Cactus photos in black and white.

Topiary

Succulent topiary © Evelyn Howard 2010

I put this together a few months ago. It is an easy and cheap project. Here are the few easy steps:

  • Buy a shallow basket (this one was $1 from a charity shop)
  • Line with plastic, then make a few drainage holes
  • Place the basket horizontally, fill with soil.
  • Line the top with sphagnum moss
  • Secure the moss to the basket tightly using wire. Ensure that nothing falls out when it’s vertical or upside down…
  • Add a hook at the back (*)
  • Plant succulents : make holes using a chopstick and insert succulents.
  • Leave the basket in a horizontal position until the succulents have taken root

I have not hung this basket until recently, because I have been contemplating replacing/rearranging the succulents. But it has been growing well, which is why I have left it alone for a while.

(*Note:  Add 2 or more hooks, if you are intending to turn the basket around to encourage even growth)

Lesson learnt

Succulent topiary © Evelyn Howard 2010

This works better than my last topiary (shown on the left), when I had used only sphagnum moss and no soil at all. The topiary dried up too quickly with the moss alone on my balcony, and I had to water it daily. It may also be due to the shape of the topiary that had a lot of exposed surface area.

On the other hand, the topiary in the basket above, with soil and sphagnum moss only requires watering once a week. I am much happier with this one.

Visit Teri’s Painted Daisies for more Cactus Monday links.

12 comments:

Darla said...

Great black and white photo and I love your succulent arrangements!

Anonymous said...

Great idea! I'm glad you didn't change anything around in the basket. It looks wonderful. Love the black and white pic too :)

Megan

Julie said...

My DIL has been taking B & W photos and I can see how striking it is in cactus photography. It makes the spines look silver and the lighting and shodows make it so dramatic! Yours is lovely!!!

Margaret Ann said...

I really enjoy B/W photography...Your shot is awesome...great tonal values... I love your hanging succulent garden also! Happy Autumn and Happy Cactus Monday! :)

marianne said...

fascinating cactus!
And your baskets/ containers are always fun!

HCM!

Melanie J Watts said...

That is beautiful! A neighbour of mine had a succulent wreath she hung on her door. I'm inspired all over again to make something like this, one day. :)

Noelle Johnson said...

I love the idea of taking cacti photos in black and white. Yours is beautiful.

Teri said...

I love the shading on the B&W cactus.
You always have the neatest ideas!!! Thanks for sharing them.

HCM!

danger garden said...

WOW! Beautiful succulent basket garden...and you share great tips too!

BGgarden said...

Cactus Monday... this is fabulous! I can't wait to stop back again soon.

I moved from blogger... you can find me at :
Bren at the BGgarden

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

The cactus in Black and white is really pretty, you can see so much detail in it.
I love your hanging succulent basket! Great instructions, maybe I'll try one this year.

Succuland said...

Beautiful composition and very nice idea. I love it.

Related Posts with Thumbnails