Container Series: Gourd Gorgeous

Amanda Thomsen

For this seasonal succulent planter, you can use a regular gourd that you have on hand for autumn interest or you can use the fake foam ones from the craft store (they look convincingly real). I find the real ones last surprisingly long if your temperatures are in the 60s or cooler. Also? Succulents have great fall color but aren’t often praised for it. Let’s change that!

Start by carving either the real or fake gourd like a pumpkin, a circle at the top, about 3 in. to 4 in. across, then scoop out the insides. Plop three succulents inside, shaking off as much soil as you need to make it fit. You won’t need extra soil. I like to use three succulents with completely different colors and textures.

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART: Line the rim of the gourds with live or dried sheet moss. It only takes a little to make it look finished and make everyone want to take one home.

P.S. These make rad table centerpieces for parties and weddings, etc.

MATERIALS:
1 live or fake gourd
1 piece of live or dried sheet moss

PLANTS:
Haworthia attenuata Zebra Plant
Graptosedum Bronze
Cotyledon tomentosa Variegata

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Amanda Thomsen writes the monthly “Kiss My Aster” column in Green Profit. You can find her funky, punky blog planted at KissMyAster.co and you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter @KissMyAster.

Have a great themed mixed container or hanging basket of your own you’d like to share? Email Jen Polanz at jpolanz@ballpublishing.com.