Creating living garden decorations is a unique and eco-friendly way to add beauty and intrigue to your outdoor spaces. These living structures not only serve as stunning focal points, but also add to the biodiversity of your garden. From lush green arches to fragrant flower walls, the possibilities are endless. Below, we explain which plants to use and provide detailed instructions on how to create amazing living garden decoration structures.
Choosing the right plants
The key to successful home garden decor is choosing the right plants. Consider growth rate, maintenance needs, climate tolerance and the visual effect you want to achieve.
1. Fast growing vines for arches and trellises:
- Clematis: Offers a variety of colors and flowers from spring to fall.
- Morning glory: Known for its bright blue flowers, it grows quickly in warm climates.
- Wisteria: Produces stunning, fragrant flower clusters but requires strong support due to its weight.
2. Climbing roses for romantic accents:
- Climbing roses are ideal for arches and pergolas and provide elegance and fragrance. Choose disease-resistant varieties for easier care.
3. Evergreens for year-round structures:
- Boxwood: Perfect for topiary and hedges with dense foliage.
- Ivy: Hardy and versatile, creates lush green walls or ground cover.
4. Annual and perennial plants for colorful presentations:
- Petunias: For vibrant, full blooms in hanging baskets or vertical walls.
- Succulents: Ideal for low-maintenance vertical gardens that provide more structure and variety.
Step-by-step instructions for creating vibrant garden decorations
Building a living bow:
Materials:
- Arch frame made of metal or wood
- Climbing plants (e.g. clematis, morning glory)
- Garden and compost
- Leaf cover
- Watering can or hose
Steps:
- Install the frame: Choose a location that receives sufficient sunlight. Fasten the arch frame firmly into the ground.
- Prepare the soil: Enrich the soil around the base of the arch where you will plant the climbing plants with compost.
- Planting: Plant your chosen climbing plants at the base of each side of the arch. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Train the plants: Gently tie the young plants to the frame to encourage upward growth. Use soft garden ties to avoid damaging the stems.
- Care: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Prune as needed to shape the arch and encourage healthy growth.
Creating a Juicy Wand:
Materials:
- A vertical frame with pockets or mesh back
- Succulents of different species
- Potting soil suitable for succulents
- Watering can with fine nozzle
Steps:
- Prepare the frame: If you are using a pocketed frame, fill each pocket with potting soil. For lattice frames, install a pad of landscape fabric and fill with soil.
- Plant the succulents: Place succulent cuttings in the pockets or against the netting. Choose a variety of colors and textures for visual interest.
- Water: Succulents require minimal water. For plants, mist the wall lightly and then water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
- Hang the frame: Make sure your wall is in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Succulents thrive in well-lit environments.
Tips for success
- Choose the right location: Consider the light, wind and soil conditions that are suitable for the plants you choose.
- Water carefully: For larger structures, install a drip irrigation system to ensure even watering.
- Regular care: Prune, trim and check for pests regularly to keep your home decor healthy and vibrant.
Living garden decorations are a wonderful way to combine artistry with nature. By choosing the right plants and following the detailed steps, you can DIY stunning structures, enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of your garden.
Whether it’s a fragrant archway or a textured succulent wall, these living decorations will transform your garden into a dynamic and visually attractive sanctuary.