Can you feel it?
Spring is here, and the arrival of the new season is evident. It seems everyone is buzzing and totally on board with spring and the promise of a not-so-far-off summer. And while we still have a little bit more waiting to do before we can get outside in the garden, diving into an inspiring indoor project is a great way to reconnect with the green stuff after a long, cold winter.
Whether you’re celebrating Spring Equinox, Easter or simply the promise of warmer days ahead, this eggshell succulent garden is the perfect afternoon project to get your hands just a little bit dirty. What’s more is that this project is super simple. You might actually have a chance to squeeze it in between spurts of spring cleaning and family get-togethers. Here’s how.
Pick your plant friends
The options are endless here, and variety is key. Here, we used a few mini succulents and air plants, rounded out with just a couple of assorted seedlings from the greenhouse for good measure. If you’re on the ball, propagating from seed would be a great option here — think cat grass or even microgreens.
Prep the eggshells
Any eggs will do, but go for farm fresh if you can swing it. Those speckled browns and blues just can’t be beat. Simply crack eggs in half or, to get the added effect of a whole egg, softly tap the crown of your egg with a spoon to remove just the upper portion of the shell. Either way, reserve the yolk and white for later use and rinse well. The eggs used here are wearing their original coat, but experimenting with natural dyes would certainly be a fun avenue to explore.
Plant ‘em
Carefully place your plant in the shell, using a spoon to add potting soil mixture as needed. If using air plants, of course no soil is required! (Note: These plant babies will eventually need to be repotted! But if you’re planning to keep them housed in the eggshells for a while yet, we’d recommend poking an additional hole in the bottom of the shell to allow for proper drainage.)
Choose your display
This wee little succulent garden is adorable in an egg carton, but you could also get creative by arranging eggs in a nest of Spanish moss or in egg holders. (Imagine these at individual place settings for Easter dinner). Either way, these make a great last minute hostess gift as a unique alternative (or, if we’re being honest, addition) to a basket of chocolate eggs.
Here’s to spring!
Words + photos by Sarah Carson