Succulents are nice to look at and they’re easy to grow. They don’t require much maintenance and commitment. These are the reasons why most gardeners, even the newbies, love to plant them. From terrariums to vertical planters, succulents can instantly brighten up space.
If you want something unique where you can plant your succulents, this is for you. A succulent chair would surely be a great idea. If you have an old chair that you no longer use, breathe new life into it. You just have to give it a few simple modifications and you’re ready to go.
Making this succulent chair would be a great addition to your garden area. This is a beautiful and charming project that you can easily do over the weekend. Why not give it a try? You’ll love it!
Making a Succulent Chair
Contents
Materials:
- Old chair
- Piece of plywood
- Screws
- Paint
- Succulents
- Potting soil for succulents
Tools:
- Screwdriver
- Table saw
- Drill with a drill bit
- Paint Brush
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chair
- Inspect the Chair: Check your old chair for any damages. Make sure it’s stable enough to support plants and soil.
- Clean the Chair: Clean the chair thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Allow it to dry completely.
Step 2: Modify the Chair for Planting
- Remove the Seat: Use the screwdriver to remove the seat of the chair. If the seat is not detachable, you’ll need to saw it out carefully.
- Measure and Cut Plywood: Measure the opening of the chair seat. Use the table saw to cut the piece of plywood to these dimensions. This plywood will serve as the new base for your succulent planter.
Step 3: Create a Planting Bed
- Attach the Plywood: Position the plywood where the seat was. Secure it using screws and the drill. Ensure it is firm and stable.
- Drill Drainage Holes: Drill several drainage holes in the plywood to allow excess water to escape and prevent root rot.
Step 4: Paint the Chair
- Sand the Chair: Lightly sand the surface of the chair to improve paint adhesion.
- Paint the Chair: Apply a coat of paint using the paint brush. Choose a color that complements your garden’s decor. Let the paint dry, and apply a second coat if necessary.
Step 5: Plant the Succulents
- Add Potting Soil: Fill the newly formed bed with potting soil specifically designed for succulents.
- Arrange the Succulents: Plant your succulents in the soil. Arrange them aesthetically, considering different sizes and colors for visual appeal.
- Water Gently: After planting, water the succulents lightly to settle the soil around the roots.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Place the Chair: Find a suitable location in your garden for the succulent chair. It should get enough sunlight based on the needs of the succulents you’ve chosen.
- Ongoing Care: Water the plants as needed, typically when the soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater.
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Wanna learn how to make a succulent chair? Watch this.
Selecting Succulents for Your Succulent Chair
Choosing the right succulents for your succulent chair is key to creating an eye-catching and thriving garden feature. Succulents are known for their low maintenance and diverse forms and colors, making them ideal for such creative projects.
Here’s how to select the best succulents for your chair planter.
Consider the Environment
Sunlight: Determine how much sunlight your succulent chair will receive in its designated spot. Some succulents thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Match the plants to the amount of light they will get to ensure they grow healthy and vibrant.
Temperature: Consider the climate of your area. While most succulents are heat tolerant, some varieties are sensitive to frost. If you live in a colder climate, choose hardy varieties or plan to move your chair indoors during colder months.
Choose Based on Size and Growth Habit
Size: Select succulents that fit well in the space available on your chair. Smaller succulents are ideal for compact spaces, while larger varieties can serve as statement pieces.
Growth Habit: Consider how the succulents will grow. Some succulents like echeverias grow in rosettes and can fill a space evenly, while trailing varieties like sedum or string of pearls will drape beautifully down the sides of the chair.
Play with Colors and Textures
Color Variety: Succulents come in a wide range of colors, from greens and blues to pinks and purples. Choose a palette that complements the color of your chair and adds visual interest to your garden.
Texture Variation: Mixing succulents with different textures can create a visually appealing arrangement. Combine smooth-leafed succulents with fuzzy or spiky varieties to enhance the tactile quality of your garden display.
Consider the Care Needs
Watering Needs: While generally low-maintenance, different succulents have varying needs for water. Group together succulents with similar watering requirements to make care easier and prevent overwatering or underwatering.
General Care: Check the general care requirements for each succulent. Some might need occasional fertilizing or specific pruning to look their best. Knowing these needs will help you keep your succulent chair healthy and attractive.
By carefully selecting succulents that match the conditions and aesthetic of your garden, you can ensure that your succulent chair becomes a stunning focal point that is both easy to care for and delightful to behold.
Create Thematic Consistency
Texture Play: Mix textures around the succulent chair to create depth. For instance, place it near smoother, broad-leafed plants or shiny garden sculptures to contrast the rough, intricate textures of succulents.
Color Coordination: Align the colors of the succulents with seasonal blooms in your garden. For example, use succulents with red and yellow tones during the fall to complement autumnal foliage.
Utilize Vertical Space
Elevate the Chair: If space allows, consider elevating the succulent chair on a pedestal or within a raised bed. This not only makes it a central piece but also provides a varied height landscape which is visually appealing.
Backdrop Arrangement: Position the chair against a backdrop like a brightly colored wall, hedge, or trellis. This helps to frame the chair and make its details pop against a solid background.
Integrate into Garden Pathways
Pathway Anchor: Place the succulent chair at the end of a garden pathway to offer a destination point. It serves as a rewarding visual treat at the end of the journey through your garden.
Stepping Stone Integration: If your garden features stepping stones, align these with the chair to lead the eye and foot traffic towards it, enhancing its role as a key feature.
Enhance with Natural Elements
Rock Features: Surround the chair with natural stones or pebbles to blend it into a more naturalistic setting. This is especially fitting for gardens with a rock garden theme or xeriscape.
Water Elements: Incorporate small water features such as a birdbath or a small fountain near the chair. The sound of water can enhance the tranquility of the succulent display.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Flexible Planting: Consider using containers for some of the succulents in the chair that can be swapped out seasonally. This allows for refreshing the look of the chair throughout the year and adapting to different weather conditions.
- Holiday Decorations: Use the succulent chair as a base for seasonal decorations during holidays. Wrap it with string lights during Christmas or adorn it with themed ornaments for Halloween to keep it relevant and festive throughout the year.
Design Tips for Integrating the Succulent Chair into Your Garden
Integrating a succulent chair into your garden not only adds a unique artistic element but also enhances the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. To seamlessly blend this piece into your garden, consider these design tips that take into account placement, styling, and harmony with your existing landscape.
Choose the Ideal Location
Visibility: Place the succulent chair in a spot where it can be easily seen to serve as a focal point. Near a garden path or visible from a window, it can draw the eye and invite closer inspection.
Sunlight: Ensure the location matches the light requirements of the succulents you’ve planted. A spot that gets partial sun is often ideal, as it accommodates a wide range of succulent species.
Complement Your Garden’s Theme
Match the Style: Consider the overall style of your garden—whether it’s formal, cottage, or modern—and choose a paint color and succulent arrangement that complements this theme. For instance, a brightly painted chair with vibrant succulents suits a whimsical garden, while a rustic, muted chair fits well in a cottage-style space.
Harmonize with Existing Elements: Coordinate the succulent chair with other elements in your garden such as statues, pots, or benches. This creates a cohesive look that feels intentionally designed.
Use as a Functional Element
Garden Seating: While primarily decorative, the succulent chair can also be integrated into your garden’s seating arrangement. Place it amongst practical seating to blend aesthetics with functionality, perhaps setting it slightly apart to define it as more of a showpiece.
Interactive Display: Consider placing the succulent chair in an area where it can be interacted with, such as near a garden path or within a small alcove. This encourages closer appreciation of its details and craftsmanship.
Highlight with Accessories
Garden Lighting: Use lighting to highlight the succulent chair at night. Solar spotlights or fairy lights can accentuate its features and ensure it remains a focal point even after sunset.
Complementary Plantings: Surround the chair with ground covers or low-growing plants that complement the textures and colors of the succulents in the chair. This can help ground the chair within the garden setting and make it appear as a natural part of the landscape.
Create Thematic Consistency
Texture Play: Mix textures around the succulent chair to create depth. For instance, place it near smoother, broad-leafed plants or shiny garden sculptures to contrast the rough, intricate textures of succulents.
Color Coordination: Align the colors of the succulents with seasonal blooms in your garden. For example, use succulents with red and yellow tones during the fall to complement autumnal foliage.
Utilize Vertical Space
Elevate the Chair: If space allows, consider elevating the succulent chair on a pedestal or within a raised bed. This not only makes it a central piece but also provides a varied height landscape which is visually appealing.
Backdrop Arrangement: Position the chair against a backdrop like a brightly colored wall, hedge, or trellis. This helps to frame the chair and make its details pop against a solid background.
Integrate into Garden Pathways
Pathway Anchor: Place the succulent chair at the end of a garden pathway to offer a destination point. It serves as a rewarding visual treat at the end of the journey through your garden.
Stepping Stone Integration: If your garden features stepping stones, align these with the chair to lead the eye and foot traffic towards it, enhancing its role as a key feature.
Enhance with Natural Elements
Rock Features: Surround the chair with natural stones or pebbles to blend it into a more naturalistic setting. This is especially fitting for gardens with a rock garden theme or xeriscape.
Water Elements: Incorporate small water features such as a birdbath or a small fountain near the chair. The sound of water can enhance the tranquility of the succulent display.
Seasonal Adaptations
Flexible Planting: Consider using containers for some of the succulents in the chair that can be swapped out seasonally. This allows for refreshing the look of the chair throughout the year and adapting to different weather conditions.
Holiday Decorations: Use the succulent chair as a base for seasonal decorations during holidays. Wrap it with string lights during Christmas or adorn it with themed ornaments for Halloween to keep it relevant and festive throughout the year.
By following these tips, you can effectively integrate a succulent chair into your garden, enhancing both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The chair will not only serve as a standout piece but also harmonize beautifully with the surrounding garden environment.
Conclusion
Creating a succulent chair is a rewarding project that revitalizes an old piece of furniture while adding a unique botanical flair to your garden. With some basic tools, a bit of paint, and your choice of succulents, you can easily craft a visually appealing and low-maintenance feature. This DIY endeavor not only beautifies your outdoor space but also offers a creative way to display your favorite succulents.
