Lowveld - Dec 2020 / Jan 2021

Text and photographer: MATTHYS FERREIRA
Step 6
You will need to have another pair of
stockings filled with potting soil to
complete your soil base on top of the
wire one.
Step 7
Next you have to tie your stockings
to the wreath base with thin wire.
Steps 8 and 9
Now it is time to plant the various
succulents you have chosen in the
stockings. You will need a kebab stick
or something similar. Make a small
hole in the stockings and press your
succulent firmly into the soil mix.
Step 10
Should the base of your plant be a
bit short, push a paper clip (as per
the illustration) through the base and
then plant the succulent.
Step 11
For longer type succulents, you will
need to make an angled hole to
firmly plant the succulent.
Step 12
Arrange it out along the stockings
and secure the other end with a
paper clip.
Step 13
Complete the planting process.
Step 14
You can now add some “old man’s
beard” (air plant) and a candle.
Step 15
Place the wreath on your table. Once
it has served its decorative purpose,
you can take it as is and install it in
your garden where it will establish a
little island of succulents from where,
in due time, you can once again
harvest cuttings.
If you are going to keep this
indoors, water it well once a week.
Do this outside and allow for the
water to drain properly before you
bring it inside again.
This is one of those DIY projects
that will reward you with much joy
and gratitude for many months to
come. Enjoy!.