Indoor Mini-Garden

Our kitchen island is home to holiday decorations in some months, and fresh flowers when we actually have them. Otherwise, the island is empty and sad. This had to change!

My green thumb is what I would call a "work-in-progress" and certainly has not been successful with indoor plants. Since I love miniature things, I was attracted to the succulent area at my local nursery. I started reading about succulents and learned that they are easy and low-maintenance. This sounds like my kind of plant!

"Totes adorbs"

I read about how to plant and care for these adorable little plants, and made the decision that these NEED to live in my kitchen. The one pictured on the back left is called "jellybean," obviously I couldn't resist. I mean... a miniature garden...right in my kitchen.. YESSSS!

I went ahead and picked up some succulents during my last nursery trip (while working on THIS project). This was my way of 1/2 way committing to the project, considering I didn't have all the supplies. So, I finally decided to make it happen and purchased a glass bowl at Michael's, then headed to the pet store for the remaining supplies. Now I know this sounds odd, but the articles I read said to use activated carbon in the bottom of succulent containers. Supposedly, this will help clean the water and prevent mold/mildew. I'm not sure if you can buy this stuff anywhere else, but I knew the pet store had it in the fish department. If this is what the experts say.. I'm doing it! Additionally, the "experts" say that succulents like well drained soil. Therefore, you should have a layer of rocks in the bottom of the container with soil on top. To avoid going to more stores, I purchased some aquarium rocks as they were the size I felt looked best in my chosen container.

Side note: I was at the pet supply store anyways... obviously, Toby NEEDED a new toy. He is my child, and he is spoiled. Rotten... anddd I'm ok with that. Moving on....

Shameless photo of Toby...because I can.

Here's all the supplies you'll need to make your own mini succulent garden:

Pebbles/Rocks, Activated Carbon, Potting Soil, Container & Succulents

Start with a layer of carbon, then add your rocks/pebbles.Next, add a generous layer of potting soil.

I arranged the succulents as I felt looked best, then planted. I topped the whole container with another layer of rocks, just for aesthetic purposes. Wah-Lah, DONE:

I'm hoping the articles I read will prove to be true and my little garden will flourish! If not, Toby looks cute year round and I suppose I can just sit him on the island.

<3 Brandy