Monday, June 13, 2011

Succulent wreaths at the Seaside

Living wall art seems to be quite the rage at the moment. I would love to learn how to achieve it on a large scale. The thought of covering an unsightly fence or brick wall with juicy, vivid succulents just seems so irresistible. And what a perfect alternative for a garden when there is no yard to plant lushness. Not to mention they really are quite a show stopper. I thought for now, I will just start out small and try my hand at a living wreath, (which can actually double as al center piece too...bonus!)

While on vacation on the Oregon coast last week, (Yes, I have hundreds of pics and mostly from gardens and local nurseries, ok a few of the family playing at the beach too, but one of my fave vaca pleasures is to check out the local gardens) So while on my "me-time" I came across a gorgeous little flower store called "The natural nook" loved it! Actually spent way to much time in there, sorry boys! But I did come across this beautiful inspiration....


I would have bought one of these stunners on the spot and marked it up as a "very impractical souvenir" so photos will have to suffice. I am particularly fond of the one on the bottom right, the succulents in all shades of green with pops of purple, its just stunning! The two upper ones are actually herb wreaths, again what great creativity and a beautiful idea for a gift. I would love to make one of these herb wreaths as a center piece for my out door dinning area, place a big hurricane candle in the middle and take a pinch of basil to add to a freshly made bowl of pasta...oh happy days! I just need a warm summer breeze and a glass of wine to complete that perfect picture.


Thanks for the inspiration and eye candy http://www.seasidenaturalnook.com/ I can not wait to try this as one of my summer projects.

Here is a wonderful step by step tutorial from http://www.sparrowpost.net/oldschool/wreath.html How fun!!

Have you ever tried making one of these, been given one as a gift or like me its been on your "maybe one-day" list? I'd love to hear your experiences, also where you would put it. I'll post an update this summer when I attempt this, wish me luck!!

Here are a few more happy snaps of their back-alley nursery, what a happy little nook...loved it!



18 comments:

  1. Hi Julia, I've wanted to make a succulent wreath too but just haven't gotten around [pun intended] to it yet. I love the ones you photographed. Good luck with your pursuit. I can't wait to see it.

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  2. Beautiful! I love succulents. I recently put some in an old doll bed. I need to take a photo and put it on my blog!

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  3. Hi Julia..did you end up at Seaside.....literally? lol. I am very interested in making a succulent wreath, it would be a fun pursuit. Do keep us posted on your endeavors! I have to admit..Oregon beaches are grand. Living 45mins away comes in handy a lot :) Jenni

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  4. I have seen the succulent wreaths at botanical gardens before and thought they were stunning. The nice thing about the succulents is that they don't need to be watered as frequently. I like the idea of a herb wreath and your suggestion of putting it on a table with candle! That little nursery is adorable. I would have lingered way to long in there too! Can't wait to see your project when it is completed...hope you will post it!

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  5. I have seen these wreath before also, but not the instructions. Great post and link. Love it!

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  6. I haven't seen these before. They are fantastic. I'm going to have to read up on this. Thanks.
    Cher
    Sunray Gardening
    Goldenray Yorkies

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  7. I love succulents and want to get some for my garden. I've never seen them in wreaths. They're great! Welcome back!

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  8. It's a beautiful idea! I'm slowly adding succulents to my garden. I'm afraid I'll love them to death with too much water...I'll stash this idea away-it's a good one.

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  9. I've seen these, and thought them beautiful, but I'm not sure I could keep them alive, even though they are succulents! They're quite impressive, though!

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  10. I made one of these wreaths several years ago. I should try making another as I just found the frames in the garage yesterday. Enjoy the day.

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  11. Thanks for all the comments, its wonderful to be back after such a relaxing vacation, gosh how I've missed blogging! My comments seem to be having some problems so I'm just posting a test to see what happens, will jump on again soon to catch up with you all...hugs xx

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  12. Pretty pretty pretty!

    Love them. Thanks for sharing your fun!

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  13. Love it! I am succulent deprived...if I made one of these suckers, what do I do with it over the winter?

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  14. Hi Julia! My poor husband must endure the stops in the out-of-town nursery's and garden stores, poor guy! I'm sure you have been to Ravenna Gardens at U Village but they have these driftwood succulents wreaths that are really cool. Looks like they would be easy to make too!

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  15. I always wanted to try to make one of these. I believe I saw a special where Martha Stewart made one...it looked so pretty. I can't wait to see how yours goes...

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  16. Ok...I'm having one of those moments straight out of a cartoon where someone's eyes literally pop out of their head and back in again while the "ow-OOO-ga" bicycle horn sounds effect is played.

    WOW. Those wreaths are amazing! I've seen some living wall art before, but these are much less formal and more interesting to me.

    Please, please try it and post about it and let us know what happens!

    I love that you take "me time" while on vacation - my husband and I always do, and it's so nice to follow your own nose for awhile. Looks like that shop you found is a gem indeed!

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  17. Julie, We have a nursery near by that does lots with succulents, in pictures frames, wagons, golf bags, wreaths, shoes, etc.etc. Some very interesting containers. The succulents are one of my favorites and I hope to post on the Blog maybe come August, some I have in the garden, but I will admit right up front, I have not done the creative things you posted and the things I find at that nursery near by. Maybe some day. Jack

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  18. I love these living sculptures - I have also seen them made up as pictures - I want one!

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Thanks for stopping by and reading my latest post! I love sharing my gardening adventures and reading your wonderful comments. Happy digging...Cheers Julia!!

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