Dish gardens

Whereas one plant to one plant is more a matter of finding a good one-to-one relationship, the dish garden is a matter of finding a pleasant and interesting collection of plants and then combining them in a unique container to show them off to their best advantage. Dish gardens vary considerably, and their beauty is only limited by your imagination.

• Choosing a container

The important thing about dish gardens is to choose plants that like the same environment, need the same amount of watering at the same time and show the same response to light. With the right selection of succulents, you can build miniature landscapes, and with an ambitious trip to local thrift stores, you can find an array of creative containers made of glass, tin, clay and stoneware.

When selecting your containers, keep in mind that you are creating a display with multiple plants. Choose containers that will hold three or four plants. For containers without holes, a layer of rock pebbles on the bottom of the container will serve as your water basin.

• Decorating containers

Before you begin the process of transferring the plants, you may want to first embellish your container with paint or decorative tape. Choosing solid stripes or a southwestern pattern are good ideas for containers that can use a little flair. Once you have finished with your decorating ideas, the next step is the simple process of transferring your plants.

Transferring from pot to container

• Select your plants and the container.
• Fill bottom of container with one-third rock pebbles to be used as a basin for excess water and help provide moisture for the soil.
• Add prepared soil to container – but don’t fill all the way; leave enough room for your plant and soil attached to the roots.
• Arrange the plants according to size, compatibility and aesthetics and place in container; add additional soil to complete potting.
• Place labels with names of your plants.
• Do not water immediately; wait at least two to three days. Water only as needed when soil is dried.

Succulent plants for dish gardens

There are different kinds of succulent plants to suit every gardener’s need. Keep in mind that each plant in the same family group can range differently in height, width and care needs.

• Adrormischus: grown for decorative foliage of varying shapes, color and textures
• Aeoniums: known as decorative rosette-forming plants
• Agave: some range from 6 inches to 15 inches
• Aloe: varieties include lace aloe and tiger aloe
• Brachystelma barberae: attraction to this plant lies in its bizarre cage-like head
• Conophytum: tiny carpeting plants from 1 to 3 inches in height
• Cotyledon: Diverse in form, slow- to moderately fast-growing, depending on species
• Crassula: large genus; several are under 12 inches tall
• Dudleya: have small rosettes; solitary or clumping-forming species
• Echeveria: large group of rosette-shaped succulents; vary in shape and size
• Euphorbia: some species are under 8 inches tall
• Frithia pulchra: maturity size is 1 inch tall and 5 inches across
• Gasteria: compact succulents (Ox tongues)
• Gibbaeum: compact carpeting plant
• Harworthia: several species ideal for containers
• Hordia: small succulents for small areas of containers
• Huernia: small, upright branching, some 6 inches tall and 15 inches wide
• Kalanchoe: large species to select from
• Lithops: tiny succulents known as living stones
• Sedums: large group, small bushes up to carpeting plants
• Sempervivum: Small hardy alpines, rosette leaves
• Senecio: 1000+ species grown for decorative foliage, range in height and width.

Dormancy period

Succulent plants need rest, too. They go into dormancy during the winter months. Move them to protect from cold weather. During this period do not fertilize or repot them. Water only when soil is dry.

Research the care needs for your succulents to ensure healthy plants after the dormancy period.

Satisfaction all but guaranteed

Try putting together succulent displays. You will be rewarded with satisfaction in what you create – and your plants will, in turn, reward you with beautiful blooms.

Succulent displays not only provide interest for a desired setting but do best with next to no fuss or care. And that’s satisfaction guaranteed with so many other plants needing attention this time of year.