Living Frames-A Creative Project for Growing Artwork

Looking for a creative way to add to your garden or indoor area that will bring in a bit of enchantment? A Living Frame is a creative project that is ideal for the garden or indoors. Succulents are a good plant choice for beginners to try in these vertical frames, they offer a large diverse selection of color and texture. They grow slowly and have low water requirements. Indoor foliage plants are a good choice for gardeners that want added color, texture and diversity in their living art.

Better Homes and Gardens Magazine displays a succulent living frame

Wooden frames are ideal for making living art & succulent frames because they can be stuffed with either potting soil, sphagnum moss, or a combination of both. Moss is more lightweight, highly absorbent and retains the moisture, air, and nutrients needed for the plants to grow healthy. Potting soil is heavier but it is more forgiving to plants that may need more substrate. If you choose to carry the theme indoors, you can decorate with dried flowers to match your décor. By inserting the stems directly in to the moss, you can interchange them for the season.

Better Homes and Gardens magazine has a link for step-by-step instructions to build one.

https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans-ideas/make-a-living-succulent-picture/

After planting, it is recommended that you rest the living frame on a flat surface and out of direct sunlight for a week or two to allow cuttings to form roots along the stems. For additional security, support stems with floral pins or crafts clips. Gradually increase light levels to full sun exposure. With succulents, avoid watering in the first two weeks. Foliage and annuals will need to be monitored for watering more regularly including within the first two weeks.

Succulent frames – Dec.’09 – By Robert Stockwell succulent frames in Southern Living Magazine

The Living frame can be hung on a wall with sturdy hooks or, prop it against a wall on a flat surface. Just be mindful that you will have to water the plants thoroughly to moisten the moss/soil a minimum of once a month depending upon the plant material used. Once the frame is dry, you can suspend it again.

When used outside, place the living frame away from direct exposure of the afternoon sun. Indoor frames need to be directed near a south-facing window. Sit back and enjoy your developing artwork!

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Posted: December 6, 2018


Category: Horticulture



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