Seven Steps Closer to Spring – #1

Over the next seven weeks I’ll post seven suggestions for activities that can liven up winter and bring you ever closer to spring. We hope you’ll enjoy these projects that will make the dormant season less dreary! 

#1 Plant a Think Spring Container

Remind yourself or someone else that spring will come again. Create a dish garden as a reminder of the growing season. Here’s what you need:

Place some of the potting soil in the container and add the three plants so that they are level with, or just below the rim of the pot. Fill in the spaces around the plants with potting soil, pushing it into place gently. (Never cram soil into a pot.)

Cut your accent elements so that they are twice as tall as the height of your plants, and place them in the center. Water just enough to settle the soil but not make the dish swampy.

Cut small pieces of sheet moss and use them to cover the bare soil.

Dish gardens aren’t long-term planters…they are meant to be enjoyed only for a few weeks time. Because most containers used for these arrangements don’t have drainage holes, be careful not to overwater.

At any point new plants can be added and older ones removed. You can also add other decorative pieces such as tiny watering cans, birds nests, or other objects that help you to think spring.