Sempervivum Crafts

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Posted by @goldfinch4 on
Once you start growing these amazing plants, you’ll find that they multiply quickly. And unless you have lots of room in your gardens, you’ll want to find some creative ways to use them.

A popular use for sempervivums is to make topiary art.  Turtles, mushrooms, and wreaths are the most common.  Here is a succulent wreath tutorial, but the process is the same using only sempervivums.   Don't be afraid to mix other plants with the sempervivums.

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A lot of fun can be had in your garden with unique planters and containers. An old chair makes an unusual planter.  Cut a hole in the center, attach a plastic pot to the bottom (or make a chicken wire basket and line it with weed barrier cloth), fill with potting mix, and plant.  I covered mine with sphagnum moss to keep the wind from blowing the potting mix away and to conserve moisture because I have it in a very windy area.  This picture is from the day I planted it.  I expect it will have filled in nicely by this spring.

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Hypertufa containers are perfect for sempervivums because they have excellent drainage.  They’re easy and fun to make too.  If you’re not interested in making them, many places sell them.

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Another interesting idea is to find a piece of wood with a hollow section or a wide split in it and to plant sempervivums in the hole. 

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Create a living picture like these two beautiful pictures from Drought Smart Plants.

Photo courtesy of Drought Smart Plants 2013-02-02/goldfinch4/2a5cc1

Make “rock pots” by gluing rocks onto a wire form, any container, or each other. 

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Sempervivums look great in any unusual container.  Just make sure it has good drainage.

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Have an old birdbath or fountain that leaks?  You’ve now found a new life for it.

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Look at this clever idea by pardalinum for using an old bench.  Just gorgeous!

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If you've really got a lot of plants to spare, a green roof is always impressive!

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I hope these ideas have your creative juices flowing and you'll try a few new ideas of your own. Our own Sempervivum forum is always buzzing with new projects and ideas sure to inspire you to have fun with your own plants.

 
Comments and Discussion
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Sempervivum Crafts by chelle Mar 12, 2013 2:17 PM 13

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