As a mom with a big family living in a small house, life can be a whirlwind of activities. Whether it's homeschooling the little ones, helping an older child with their homework, cooking, cleaning the kitchen, or managing chores, it's hard to find the time to step outside the home. There's always something to do, something to pick up, or someone to encourage. Despite all this, I don’t want to be a slave to my home. I've been actively seeking ways to minimalize, downsize, and create systems that will help me get out of the house and into the sunshine.
One of the ways I've found to enjoy the outdoors while staying productive is through farming and planting. It’s more than just managing our stuff or keeping the house clean—it’s about creating space, room, and time to live. I want to make sure we're living for more than just the day-to-day grind, and gardening has been a wonderful escape. And out of this newfound love for the outdoors, I've discovered a passion for creating succulent bowl gifts.
The Joy of Giving Succulent Gifts
I love giving presents, but with my busy schedule, I don’t always have the time to browse through stores or the budget to splurge on fancy items. To me, a gift should speak to the person receiving it, making them feel loved and appreciated. Whether you spend money or pour your heart into something handmade, the best gifts are those that carry intention.
Succulent bowl gifts have become my go-to present, and they’re perfect for any occasion. For instance, a mom who loves tea might appreciate a teacup filled with a living plant. A rustic wooden bowl could be the perfect gift for a brother who enjoys a more natural aesthetic. The key is to find an item that reminds you of the person—something that reflects their style, colors, or interests.
Creating the Perfect Succulent Bowl
When it comes to succulents, you don't need a pot with a drainage hole, although that can be helpful. If you’re using a bowl without a hole, simply add rocks to the bottom to lift the roots and keep them out of standing water, which helps prevent root rot. Succulents are great at telling you when they need water—you'll see signs in their leaves, like withering or shriveling.
Soil Mix
You can easily find a pre-mixed cactus/succulent soil, or you can create your own blend. I prefer a mix of one part compost, one part sand or decomposed granite (DG), and one part perlite. I usually go light on the perlite, but it’s really up to your preference. Once the soil is mixed, I layer it over the rocks and start arranging the plants.
Decorating the Soil
Choosing the right size, shape, and texture of the plants is crucial in creating a visually pleasing arrangement. I like to top the soil with decorative elements like rocks, tiles, or even Legos, depending on the recipient. Groups of three or five plants tend to look nice together, and I’ll often add a couple of items like seashells to complete the look. Whether you design with one main piece surrounded by small, trailing plants, or fill the bowl with a variety of succulents, there’s no limit to how beautiful and unique each gift can be.
The Benefits of Succulent Gifts
For this busy mom, getting outside is a must. The sunshine, fresh air, and connection to nature are my top reasons for stepping out of the house. Gardening and creating these succulent bowls have become a peaceful escape where I can relax while still feeling productive. Plus, my kids seem to cause less chaos when we're outside, or maybe I just don't notice as much!
These little projects allow me to enjoy my free time while also getting things done. And the best part? They result in thoughtful, handmade gifts that bring beauty and joy to the people I love. So, give yourself permission to rest, get creative, and enjoy the process of building your own succulent gifts. It’s a rewarding way to spend time outdoors and create something special for someone else.
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