Burnt Metal with Sempervivum

by Jacki
(Grand Forks, B.C. Canada)

I found this little odd metal basket in the thrift store, which although it was painted black was really not quite my style.

I routinely check to find rustic salvage to use as planters for my succulents.

It's important to train your eye to see the possibilities when cruising around garage sales and thrift stores.

To make it more rustic, I threw it in the fire to burn off the paint, and then planted it with many different Sempervivum plugs which conveniently just fit through the holes in the sides.

The bottom is made of metal mesh, which doesn't really hold the soil in, but I didn't lose much as the roots of the plants have filled in really well and hold it in place.

I find that it needs a bit more water than most of the hen and chickens planters I have, and I keep it in the shade of some birch trees so it gets filtered shade, not intense bright sun.

I love how it has so many textures of all the different varieties.