Undersea arrangements are beautiful, but underwater plant life cannot survive outside of a natural habitat. Other live growth can be used instead, and it can become part of a dish garden display. Many succulent plants look a lot the underwater varieties, but they require very little care. A dish garden can include beautiful shells, beach glass, preserved undersea life and plants that look just as lovely as those that grow and thrive on the ocean floor. Best of all, they require very little care.
Necessary Supplies
To create a succulent dish garden with an ocean theme you will need a sand mixture especially for succulents, small polished stones, a clear shallow vessel and plants. I recommend succulents such as crassulas, echeverias and a variety of small aloes. Small hens and chicks will also look phenomenal in a succulent dish garden with an ocean theme.
I purchased a large shallow glass salad bowl for my dish garden with an ocean theme. I had collected and saved many ocean treasures from my trips to South Carolina and Mexico Beach. I used many of the items for crafts, and the succulent dish garden would be a living reminder of my trips to some of the most beautiful ocean shores.
Optional Additions for a Succulent Dish Garden with an Ocean Theme
In addition to polished stones, you can also add small seashells and bits of colorful beach glass. You do not have to collect these items. They can be found in craft stores. I did not have all of the shells that I wanted for my succulent dish garden with an ocean theme. I purchased several prime seashells from a craft store. They were seashells that were never found on my ocean shore vacations. If desired, small dried starfish and other preserved sea life can also be used when creating a succulent dish garden.
Procedure
To create a succulent dish garden with an ocean theme, begin by partially filling a shallow glass dish of your choice with sand especially for cacti. It will allow the small amount of moisture that each succulent receives to drain away from the roots.
Next, plant the largest succulent first, and finish with the smallest. Leave plenty of space in between each one. The space will allow for expansion and growth. It will also provide a place for decorative items with an ocean theme.
Finish by adding polished stones, seashells, beach glass and other items of your choice. Do not overdo it. Less is more when decorating a dish garden. Add prime decorative pieces. They will look far better than several lower quality decorative items.
Provide plenty of natural sunlight for your succulent dish garden with an ocean theme. Add water as recommended according to the instructions provided with individual plants. They will remain alive and beautiful like undersea plant life, but they will thrive in the air instead of beneath the surface of the ocean.
Source: Personal and Professional Home Design and Crafting Experience
