Succulent decor


Our entrance to the The Blue Building Antiques and Consignment gets full sun all day long. I’m talking FULL ALABAMA sun y’all!  So there are only a few types of plants that will withstand that type of sun and heat plus stay gorgeous through the summer season. Succulents thrive in the Alabama heat and we have adapted heavy succulent decor along our entrance walkway.

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor in shoes

We came up with a great way to display our succulent decor that is whimsical, bright, cheery, and quirky…just like us!  Let me just say that using the “not so ordinary” has become somewhat of a trademark for us. We will plant in anything that drains well and looks good!

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor in pink shoes and baby carriage basket

In one trip to the local thrift store,  I found the perfect vessels for our succulent decor:   SHOES!!   And even better, they were cheap…I’m talking $1.99 per pair…yup…cheap!

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor in thrift store shoes

Step one!

I started by drilling holes in the bottom of the shoes so that the plants can drain.  I used a drill press but you can use any simple drill.

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor Drainage holes

Succulents are in the Cactus family and thrive in heat with dry soil and intermittent watering.  If succulent roots sit in water they will not thrive.  Proper drainage is critical for these plants.

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor Drainage holes in shoes

Step two:

Next step is to add some small stones or gravel to the shoes to help drainage.  Then fill with potting soil.

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor fill your shoes with dirt

Step three:

Add your plants next.  I usually try to put at least 3 types of plants in each shoe.  A variety of ensures layering and varied texture and just simply looks good!  It’s still a little early to put these out but they will fill out and become gorgeous as the seasons progress.

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor newly planted succulents

Succulents are hardy enough that they can stay outside in Alabama year round!  This time of year the plants that were left outside over the winter are somewhat shriveled and small. They are just starting to rejuvenate.  Once we have steady warm weather they will thrive and multiply.

Here are some of the plants that have weathered the winter.  I have just started to clean them up by pulling out the dead leaves and pine shats/needles that have accumulated over the winter.

This is one of my favorite displays that we use every year!

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor portulucas

It started with a blue enamel baking pan that was missing a lid.  I drilled holes in the bottom (again, proper drainage prolongs blooms and beauty) and every year I plant more portulucas.  Some of these beauties will return each year because of our mild Alabama winters.  But I always add a few more new portulucas to make the display full and colorful.

And some more of our displays:

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor aqua shoes

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor pink heels

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor pink tennis shoes

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor group

The Blue Building Antiques Alabaster AL Shopatblu succulent decor multi colored shoes

We use ladders outdoors to showcase our succulents as well.  You can see some here.  You can read about making your own ladders here.

Y’all run to your closet…you know you aren’t gonna wear those stilettos again!  Put those babies to good use!  And share your photos with us!

I’ve already had some questions as to where to buy succulents.  I have purchased them at Lowe’s in the past and local garden center.  I’ve included some links below for online suppliers (affiliate).

 

 

I am so happy to be sharing this post in Hometalk‘s DIY My Spring , a Home and Garden Blog Hop!

Hometalk's DIY MY SPRING! 400

Head on over to Hometalk and follow the hashtag #DIYmyspring to see all of the wonderful projects!


 

 

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Comments 15

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    1. thebluebuilding@charter.net says:

      Yes! Those are my all time fav!

    1. thebluebuilding@charter.net says:

      Thanks Claire! Quick and cheap!

  1. How cute! I love succulents. They are wonderful to grow ANYWHERE! Thank you for sharing your fun shoes. 😉

    1. thebluebuilding@charter.net says:

      Thanks! Lots of options!

    1. thebluebuilding@charter.net says:

      What can I say…I’m a Blu girl! Thanks for the love!

  2. So fun and clever! Love these!
    I was just looking up a shoe planter ideas for a project and these are fabulous
    Visiting from the blog hop
    Cheers

    1. thebluebuilding@charter.net says:

      What a great blog hop this was! Thanks for stopping by!

  3. So cute! I love succulents and repurposed projects so this was right up my ally!

    1. thebluebuilding@charter.net says:

      Thanks for stopping by Mary!

Succulent decor

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