Our entrance to the The Blue Building Antiques and Consignment gets full sun all day long. I’m talking FULL ALABAMA sun y’all! So there are only a few types of plants that will withstand that type of sun and heat plus stay gorgeous through the summer season. Succulents thrive in the Alabama heat and we have adapted heavy succulent decor along our entrance walkway.
We came up with a great way to display our succulent decor that is whimsical, bright, cheery, and quirky…just like us! Let me just say that using the “not so ordinary” has become somewhat of a trademark for us. We will plant in anything that drains well and looks good!
In one trip to the local thrift store, I found the perfect vessels for our succulent decor: SHOES!! And even better, they were cheap…I’m talking $1.99 per pair…yup…cheap!
Step one!
I started by drilling holes in the bottom of the shoes so that the plants can drain. I used a drill press but you can use any simple drill.
Succulents are in the Cactus family and thrive in heat with dry soil and intermittent watering. If succulent roots sit in water they will not thrive. Proper drainage is critical for these plants.
Step two:
Next step is to add some small stones or gravel to the shoes to help drainage. Then fill with potting soil.
Step three:
Add your plants next. I usually try to put at least 3 types of plants in each shoe. A variety of ensures layering and varied texture and just simply looks good! It’s still a little early to put these out but they will fill out and become gorgeous as the seasons progress.
Succulents are hardy enough that they can stay outside in Alabama year round! This time of year the plants that were left outside over the winter are somewhat shriveled and small. They are just starting to rejuvenate. Once we have steady warm weather they will thrive and multiply.
Here are some of the plants that have weathered the winter. I have just started to clean them up by pulling out the dead leaves and pine shats/needles that have accumulated over the winter.
This is one of my favorite displays that we use every year!
It started with a blue enamel baking pan that was missing a lid. I drilled holes in the bottom (again, proper drainage prolongs blooms and beauty) and every year I plant more portulucas. Some of these beauties will return each year because of our mild Alabama winters. But I always add a few more new portulucas to make the display full and colorful.
And some more of our displays:
We use ladders outdoors to showcase our succulents as well. You can see some here. You can read about making your own ladders here.
Y’all run to your closet…you know you aren’t gonna wear those stilettos again! Put those babies to good use! And share your photos with us!
I’ve already had some questions as to where to buy succulents. I have purchased them at Lowe’s in the past and local garden center. I’ve included some links below for online suppliers (affiliate).
I am so happy to be sharing this post in Hometalk‘s DIY My Spring , a Home and Garden Blog Hop!
Head on over to Hometalk and follow the hashtag #DIYmyspring to see all of the wonderful projects!
