Thursday, August 15, 2013

DIY Vertical Garden For Under $30!


Hello,
I hung a little fern on our wall. It is called a "Slender Bracken Fern". I bought it from our local Native Nursery; our's is super cheap, I call it the $2 nursery! Not everything is $2 but very close to. Do you have one in your area too? I simply planted the fern in a glass jar; I used coloured sand in the very bottom for a little drainage and then packed in planting-soil to surround the actual plant. I then used picture wire to wrap around the jar, twisted it several times and then made a loop so that it could be easily latched on to a wall hook. I love it because it's very simple and looks a little bit sweet... Do you think so too?? I think I need one in our new bathroom too!
 I do think there is something about planting plants or maybe it's having nature around you that is a little bit addictive because hanging the above fern also inspired me to create a vertical garden on our balcony. Again, it was super easy to do and I think you could use any type of jars you have at home. I wrapped picture wire around both the jar and the lattice wall that surrounds our balcony but you could use hooks or even an old picture frame to do this on any wall at home. An old frame with added picture hooks would give your vertical garden a very fancy finish too!
I like the little jars in the top row best but I may change my mind once the ferns start to mature. Am I sounding like I have a green thumb yet? Ha! 


You could add some jute string too if you wanted to add extra sparkle.


Now, do remind me to water them... please.
Rach xx

Visiting Ivy and Elephants

P.S Please read on RE: Caring for your fern's
  • In summer water your fern(s) every 2-3 days. Do not saturate/ or puddle the water on top of your jar- as this will eventually cause your fern's roots to rot away. Just a light water will be enough! Sand/ pebbles in the bottom of your jar will help with drainage; they really only need a little dirt around them.

  • In winter, you will only need to water your fern once a week.

  • If you find that your fern is growing too big for your jars you could choose to trim it or use a bigger sized jar. A trim everynow and then will also help your fern stay healthy!

  • Keep an eye out for brown spots on your fern fronds as this could be an indication that your fern may need to be relocated. Ferns like a little sun but not direct sun/heat. They need shade too!

  • Fern's like the indoors too; you just need to make sure that you do not over-water because they will not dry out as easily.

xx


13 comments:

Jane said...

I love these vertical garden ideas! Thanks for stopping by my Tweets!! Jane

Jane said...

Me again! Just had a question: how long will these ferns last in the jars, do you know and is there an issue with drainage? (Can you tell I'm not a green thumb but wish I was?!!) Thanks, Jane

Hip Brown said...

Popped by your blog Jane, loved it. I do love a vertical garden!

Hip Brown said...

Hi Jane, As long as you dont over-water you wont have trouble with drainage. I would only water every 2-3days max and I would not saturate them. I am expecting the ferns to outgrow their jars at some stage but then I will just trim them back or use bigger jars. Might add a FAQ to this post; so lovely to see you here again. mwah

beachcomber said...

great idea rachel! we have lots of lattice.. i could do this too. it's funny i've just done a post for tomorrow you will probably be interested in on the same topic!
x

Hip Brown said...

Ooh do, would love to see the pics! Will pop by your blog tom xx

Life Love and Hiccups said...

I do like this very very much. No like really REALLY like this idea Rach you clever chick. And yep I can totally see your green thumb showing ;) xx

Hip Brown said...

Thankyou lovely Sonia, super glad you like it! Xx

Unknown said...

Looks great Rachael. I would forget to water them. I'm a hopeless gardener.

Unknown said...

I adore this. So do-able and so sweet = win win!

Hip Brown said...

Thanks Elisabeth, have to say I am really enjoying it. Thanks for popping by! xx

Hip Brown said...

So far so good. Know what you mean; accidently killed my cactus from lack of water.. not good. xx

Unknown said...

Hi Rachel, Just popping over to let you know that I have featured this post in my latest issue of The Beast Link Magazine. I adore this idea, you cleaver girl. The link magazine is designed to connect women everywhere with great articles/ideas/recipes etc... I hope you get some lovely visitors here to meet you and go crazy for your site cause it is amazing. xx http://www.elizabethkfindlay.com/2013/09/the-beast-all-that-is-beautiful-link.html