I figured it was time for another “Where Are They Now” post. You may remember that last year I made some outdoor shelves. Then, I turned one of those shelves into a vertical wall planter for some hens and chicks. It started off pretty slowly. Okay, really slowly. When this puppy first started. I just had a few little baby chicks from my brother’s driveway.
Anyway, during this last year I added a few more plants to fill things out. By the fall, it was getting slightly fuller. I left the planter hanging in that very spot all winter. Hens and chicks, unlike most succulents, can survive very cold weather. Still, I was a bit nervous about whether these would actually come back.
Well, I have good news. Not only did they come back, but they are thriving.
And I mean thriving, They are unbelievably-ginormous-growing-out-of-the-planter thriving. Seriously, who would have thought!?
I did give them a couple good doses of Miracle-Gro Plant Food this year. I also tucked in a little more dirt. Other than that, I’ve really done nothing to it. That’s my kind of gardening.
I was even more thrilled to see that one of these guys was flowering. I didn’t know they did that!
All in all, I’m super pleased with this project. Since I still have people asking me about it, I figured a little update was necessary.
Some related posts: You can see how I built the outdoor shelves here; How I built the vertical planter; How I water it; And a little update on how it looked this past spring.
In other news, apparently I decided this would be my succulent porch. In addition to my colorful potted succulents, I just received this succulent wreath that I ordered from this Etsy shop. Isn’t it cute!? Understandably, it’s a little flat and beat up from shipping, but I think it’s perfect for the space.
I’ve been struggling with what to hang on my front and back doors. I’ve just not been impressed with most wreath options these days so I was glad to find this happy addition to my back door. Now, I just need to tackle the front one. Any suggestions?
That’s it for my update on the planter and my new wreath! Has anyone made a similar vertical planter? I’d love to see it!
Wow! Stunning…. I just got into succulents and I’m ALL IN! I love them so much 🙂
I want to try this, but what do you use for the build. I have chicks and hens that my grandma gave to my mom and they double every year so i can get plenty. Can you make a tutorial or do you already have one?
There is a tutorial already. Check out the post above for all the necessary links! 🙂 Good luck!
xo Michael
Oops! Reread your post and you already addressed the “wintering” part!!!…sorry! ♥
Haha – No problem.
It get’s the morning sun. I’d say only about 2-3 hours of direct sunlight.
xo Michael
Michael where did you “winter” the box of Hens n Chicks? Here in GA some leave theirs outside but I didn’t have good luck with that and I now winter mine indoors.
Also, does the box ever get direct sun?….if so for how long? Hate to bombard you with the questions but I’d love to try this and it’t not like this is a pot that you can move all around to find the perfect spot!
Thanks!!!♥
I’m picking up my Hens and Chicks tonight ! Where can I find plans for the planter so that my husband can start building ?!?
Carrie – everything is linked up in the post above, how to build the shelves, the planter and how to water.
Good luck!
xo Michael
I made a vertical succulent frame about 2 weeks ago. I was worried that it isn’t full enough. Hopefully mine will fill out the way yours did! Thanks for sharing the updated picture!
Yes – it totally should! Just give it some time.
xo Michael
jaw drop… oh my gosh…. I want one!! Or 5. 🙂 Fabulous!
Hahaha! Or 5!! Thanks D!
xo Michael
Those are the most impressive succulents I’ve ever seen! I actually found some cute little succulents at the thrift store the other day – 4 for $0.25! They are super tiny, but I can always dream that they will be super awesome some day, right? 🙂
PS: I was NOT expecting to find succulents at the thrift store – so random! But I’m not complaining!
Succulents at a Thrift Store!? That’s awesome! Congrats!
xo Michael
Love this! looks fab. I love your mailbox too. Is there some more info on this?
thanks!
Thanks Alison! My mailbox has been mentioned in posts, but I’m not sure where. Haha. It’s a vintage find. I painted the word ‘mail’ on it with craft paint.
xo Michael
I have to admit I am not really a fan of chicks and hens, but you make this look like art! I might just have to change my tune and try this myself. Well done!
Maureen, to be honest, I never really was either. Now, I think they are gorgeous and totally unique. Plus, they even flower! Who knew!?
xo Michael
Your hens have been busy laying! What a neat combination of sizes and display. Love this! Will you be able to keep you wreathe over winter too?
Haha! That’s one way to put it. Hopefully, but the wreath will have to come inside during the winter.
xo Michael
Wha?? I cannot believe how the vertical planter came back after Winter and flourished like that… Gorgeous. I live in Florida and {while we can swim and jump on trampolines and dance on patio tables all year round} 😉 I don’t think we could pull that off!! Love.
Pinning now and adding to my buffer to share tomorrow!!
XO
I know, right! I can’t either. It’s amazing. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
xo Michael
Love it… unusual and beautiful!
Thank you Debi!
xo Michael
I delighted with every detail that your project. I’m in love with succulents and was quite charming this little space.
Joe 😉
Thanks so much Joe!!
xo Michael
I love this! I showed my husband in hopes he will make me a planter like yours. I also pinned this.
Hopefully he does! It’s a pretty simple build. Good luck!
xo Michael
What a great idea it looks so healthy! and I love your wreath, it looks amazing.
Thanks so much Patti!
xo Michael
Those are the biggest hens I’ve ever seen! Thanks for the update. I’ve been wanting to try this for a while now and have wondered how it held up.
I know, right!? It held up beautifully!
xo Michael
I. am. in. LOVE. You have completely inspired me to give this a try! I am amazed at how quickly the plants filled out; they look awesome! Great job Michael!!
Awesome! Let me know how it turns out!
xo Michael
I have loved this from the very beginning, and seeing it all filled out? Totally jealous!!! I wonder how those plants would handle our Arizona heat. That is just the coolest thing ever, Michael. Well done!
Looks like you’ll have to make one! Yeah – hens and chicks may not be the best choice for your temps, but I’m sure you’d have a plant that would work. Maybe succulents??
xo Michael
So impressive! Seriously Michael, I’m convinced you have the Midas touch! In my eyes, you can do no wrong!
Awww, you are so sweet Brandi. Thanks a million!
xo Michael