A little unexpected,

inexpensive,

and gorgeous.

Qualities I appreciate in just about anything.

Qualities, I think you'll agree, are found in my orchid, succulent, ivy arrangement.

I saw a similar arrangement in a beautiful & 'speny shop in Laguna recently.

No respectable DIY'er would pay $125 for an orchid, 2 succulents & sprigs of ivy. Hello?!

If we wanted it that badly, we'd make it ourselves for under $25.00.

So I did.

You can too.

Orchid, Succulent & Ivy Arrangement

I used:

• 2 large Trader Joe's one stem orchids $7.99 each ( shorter one with two stems only $8.99 )

• 2 succulents - $2.99 each

• Ivy left over from a 6 pack & a few variegated ivy stems I was rooting. ( truth be told I picked these on a walk with Emmett - just a bit of friendly pruning )

• A pot from my stash

• 1/8 of a bag of Spanish moss - $4.99 for a whole bag

Put together right, lots of things can be inexpensive & gorgeous.  

A little thought, good 'ingredients' and some fluff goes a long way to making pretty much anything look like it costs more than it did.  Think the little black dress, a simple gold cuff and bit of extra mascara.  Gorgeous ~ even if the LBD is from Target. 

I am all about creating beauty & luxury without spending a lot.  In this case, one might say "dirt" cheap!

Ok, want to see how I made this orchid, succulent & ivy arrangement?

First I filled my pot about 1/3 of the way with a mix of sand & pebbles.

Then I put in some fresh potting soil & mixed in a handful of sand for additional good drainage.

Neither orchids or succulents like their 'feet' wet ~ roots.

I potted the orchids with their swan like stems facing the same way, but one a bit higher than the other - so they compliment not compete.

Then I tucked in the two succulents and the trailing ivy, underplanting the orchids.

I just LOVE the way this arrangement turned out.

So much so, I made another for a friend.  Hers has the shorter $8.99 orchid as the pot I chose was smaller, one succulent and lemon thyme ( also from Trader Joe's ).  The thyme smells divine and it's lacy foliage is nice contrast to the succulent.

Orchids & succulents may seem like an unlikely pairing, but they actually enjoy about the same amount of sun, low water & excellent drainage and neither require a rich soil.  A bright corner or countertop out of direct sunlight is perfect.

People think succulents need full blazing sun, but that is cactus.  Succulents actually prefer bright, but partial sunlight and can tolerate shade.  You can learn more about succulents by reading my Succulents 101 Guide.  There is even a chart with pictures & names so you know what all those hardy little plants are called. 

I hope you make one of these arrangements - for fall I think I will add a tiny white pumpkin or two nestled in the ivy.

Here's to the unexpected, the inexpensive and the gorgeous things in life!

** Kelly **