If you’re keen to get creative and want to add some charm to your garden, then making a succulent picture frame as a piece of living art for your garden wall is a great idea. Use my guide to see how you can make your own using a wooden pallet…
DIY succulent picture frame
Get hold of an old wooden pallet and remove the centre piece of wood to create a frame structure with depth so there is room to plant between the two sides.
To achieve the desired size, you can saw the pallet in half to create a smaller structure and connect the corners by drilling screws in place to form the preferred shape.
Depending on the appearance you want, either leave the pallet exposed, or embellish with cladding at the front to match your garden design. This can help to create a ‘frame’ appearance.
Leaving the top section open means it’s easy to access and maintain, as well as rain being able to get in too. As with any container, ensure there are sufficient drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to run away.
Plant up the pallet
Line the bottom of the pallet with plastic sheeting to help keep the compost in place, remembering to add drainage holes. Then you can start filling the base with peat-free compost that’s suitable for succulents.
Rather than planting traditionally into the soil with the plants facing upwards, the plants are planted facing outwards to give the appearance of living art from front on.
Alternatively, add a layer of moss, then secure some chicken wire with a staple gun. Then, the succulents can be planted into the space, held firmly into position. Once this is secured, plants can be fitted into place. Use a small knife or stick to form small holes to plant the succulents in.
Succulents for success
Start by planting the larger plants and then fit the smaller or trailing plants around these. I used Sempervivum (common houseleek) which name means ‘always alive’ because of its extraordinary ability to tolerate extreme conditions of very hot or very cold.
The evergreen foliage is red-purple which brings a different burst of colour to your garden to contrast with the other foliage of your garden.
- Evergreen foliage
- Fully hardy
- Grows up to 10cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Exposed or sheltered
Either use lots of the same type in different sizes or opt for different varieties that will add more character to the piece.
‘Cinnamon Starburst’
The green rosettes of this houseleek and flushed with red and orange colouring, like colours of a sunset. As temperatures drop the fleshy leaves turn from green to salmon or deep red.
- Evergreen foliage
- Fully hardy
- Grows up to 10cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Exposed or sheltered
‘Gold Nugget’
This stunning pick is low-maintenance so it doesn’t demand much, however it will give a lot with its bright striking flame-like colours. The cheery yellow leaves are tipped with red that have an exotic feel to them.
- Evergreen foliage
- Fully hardy
- Grows up to 10cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Exposed or sheltered
‘Plum Parfait’
The succulent leaves of this variety are pink-purple which has a really calming and delicate effect. Enjoying a spot in full sun, the large rosettes have wonderful symmetrical growth that will look lovely in a wooden living frame.
- Evergreen foliage
- Fully hardy
- Grows up to 10cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Exposed or sheltered
Once you’re all planted up, attach the frame to the wall, angled upwards slightly – around 15 degrees to help keep the soil and plants in place.
Take care
Succulents prefer the soil to dry out before being watered again, because their leaves hold moisture, hence their texture.
Therefore, check the level of moisture in the soil and water if necessary – however if the top of the frame is open and rainwater can access it, you won’t need to water unless we have a dry summer in the UK!
Add some charm to your garden by making a succulent picture frame as living art out of wooden pallets. Fill it with succulent plants for a low-maintenance but big impact addition.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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