CoastalGarden
Create your own succulent living sculpture By Cynthia Nations
T
he joy is in the journey when creating a succulent living sculpture. To begin, decide on the shape you want and search online for wire topiary forms. They come in many sizes and shapes, from bunnies to elephants, orbs to obelisks, and wreaths to hearts. You can spend as little as $20 for a simple form, and a lot more than that on custom and intricate designs. Be aware that some larger forms are shipped in pieces so you might have a bit of assembly to do. Once you have your form securely assembled, stuff it with sphagnum moss. Peat moss just does not work. Succulents thrive in sphagnum moss because it absorbs water but dries out quickly. This means watering succulents more frequently than if they were planted in the ground. They are unlikely to rot. If you want a large structure, you are going to need a lot of plants, but searching for them is half the fun. I raid my own garden, take “gifts” from family members’ gardens, and regularly trade cuttings with friends. If I need a variety of shapes, colors and sizes, I’ll search online.
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PAC I F I CA
AUGUST
2017