The kids have just left home, and we are redecorating their rooms. I'm finally going to get the home office that I've always wanted, and my husband is going to get a sewing room. It's an amazing feeling to be entering into this new stage of our life. We need to redecorate the rooms a fair bit - as I don't think that anyone is going to take me seriously on work video conferencing calls in a black walled room with rock posters behind me! This blog is all about redecorating your empty nest so that you can make the most of your extra space.
Choosing a new colour scheme
Create An Interior Hanging Garden From Old External Shutters
Tony Ward
If you have old external window shutters that are in need of replacement, you might want to consider transforming one of them into a beautiful hanging succulent garden for your home's interior. Here's how to do it.
What you'll need
- one old exterior shutter
- washing-up liquid and water
- wire wool
- chicken wire
- staple gun
- plywood
- cactus compost
- succulent plants
You can buy everything you need for this project from good DIY and garden centres.
How to do it
- The first thing to do is to make the frame for your hanging garden. To do this, take the old shutter and give it a good clean by washing it down with a solution of clean water and washing-up liquid. Allow the shutter to dry, and then go over it with a piece of wire wool to get rid of any loose paint flakes.
- Turn the shutter onto its face and staple a piece of chicken wire to the back. Don't worry if this looks a little untidy; you won't be able to see the back once the garden is finished.
- Next cut a sheet of plywood so that it covers the back of the frame. Staple the plywood into place.
- Now place the frame on its back, with the shutter slats facing upwards. Tilt the slats so that you can access the mesh behind. Now fill the frame with damp cactus compost, pushing it through the chicken wire until the 'garden' is full.
- Take your succulent plants and carefully poke the ends of each stem through the chicken wire and into the compost. When the frame is full, carefully close the shutter slats to help hold the plants in place.
- The garden should now be left lying flat somewhere cool but bright for about 10 days to allow the plants to take root. During this time, keep the compost moist, but don't soak it.
- When the plants have rooted, you can display your succulent garden in your home. Hang or prop it up somewhere that receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade, and water the plants once a week or so to prevent the compost from drying out. To do this, take the garden down and lay it flat so that excess water can drain away before you rehang the frame.
In conclusion
You can create a beautiful hanging succulent garden from an old external shutter by following the guidelines above. When choosing your plants, try to select a good variety of colours and leaf shapes to give your garden depth and vibrancy. For more information, contact a business such as Shutterflex.
Share