Succulent Evening Bag

Photograph © Kerry Michaels

When I posted a picture the other day of this evening bag stuffed with succulents, I got such a great response that I decided to take it a step further and do an article giving step by step instructions for how to do it.  I used a similar technique when planting my pink patent leather stilettos.

I line almost all my unusual containers or any planters that aren't waterproof  to preserve them for as long as possible and keep them looking good.

How To Plant an Evening Bag

The Pick of the Planet

Photograph © Kerry Michaels

I had the great good fortune the other week to visit my friend, container gardening rock star, Lynn Felici-Gallant, at The Pick of the Planet Nursery nursery, garden store and gallery. It's a bit off the beaten path, in Greenland, New Hampshire,  near Portsmouth. While there, Lynn introduced me to Ellen Mitchell, owner and creative life-force behind the place. We didn't talk for long, but I got the strong sense that Ellen is a plant whisperer and I've been thinking about what that means ever since.

Many people have powerful connections with plants--I would say that humans are almost hard-wired for it--but some people go beyond a mere connection--they understand plants in a visceral way. They know plants and can feel what they need. They sense the soul, or essence of the plant and respond to it. I got the feeling that Ellen Mitchell is that kind of person. Her nursery is imaginative, beautiful, and creative. Her plants are are special--not run of the mill--and they are cared for meticulously by Ellen and a knowledgeable and friendly staff.

If it sounds like I'm smitten with this place, I am. I can't wait to go back and see more plants.

Ellen gave me some plants to play with, so I'll let you know when I pot them up.

Henry Protecting the Plants

Photograph © Kerry Michaels

It's the time of year when I do my annual plant drag to harden off my plants. Neighbors and friends have supplied me with a fleet of little red wagons, and I fill these with tender plants and drag them out the garage in the morning, giving the plants a little more sun exposure every day. This is called "hardening off."

On a cautionary/confessional note, this year I got a little impatient/careless and sunburned some of the succulents that I kept inside for the winter. Even sun loving plants and plants you buy at the nursery that have been in greenhouses, need to be slowly acclimated to sun and wind.

For more info, check out this article:

Hardening Off -- Boot Camp for Plants

Garden in a Juice Box

Photograph © Kerry Michaels

I used to scramble around every June, as we got close to the end of the school year, trying to think of clever, inexpensive, easy gifts for teachers and school support staff. I would love to give each of them a car, or a lavish vacation--I respect, and admire what they do so much--but since I can't do that, I give container gardens. Some years, I have given herbs in a pot tied with a raffia ribbon and some years gardening tools or gloves.

Here are 5 Container Gardens For Teacher Gifts with links to instructions on how to make them.