Caroline Burke | Burkatron

the last few months have been really hectic for me.. I've spread myself too thin between the tasks on my to do lists so I've struggled to maintain a happy balance in my personal life. it's been a good learning curve for me though and I'm beginning to learn that if I say no.. well, the world doesn't end (and I'm a lot less stressed)

when I'm feeling a little frazzled nothing picks me up like an a few hours wandering around some of my favourite vintage and thrift shops with james. a few weeks ago I found this old china to add to my growing collection.. I didn't want it to be destined to only see the inside of my kitchen cupboards so I've used some as planters for my baby succulents! I'm so pleased with how they've turned out and it reminded me of how much I've missed little creative home projects.

I also picked up some mirrors (some are so old and damaged I'm not sure if I can salvage them but they're going to be a little rescue project going forward) nothing makes me happier at the moment than planning little projects to cosy up our home. god knows I'm excited to finish off the little tasks that have been niggling at me and now the sun's arrived I'm desperately aware that the garden is quickly transforming into a urban jungle..

I have so many ideas I can't wait until I'm freed up at the end of the month so I can work on some new DIY's, finally get round to showing you my new home and possibly having THAT day off where I do nothing but watch games of thrones.. hurrah!

I'm also pretty excited to reacquaint myself with the snooze button.. you have been missed old friend.

back soon

caroline x

I have to hold up my hands and admit to being the ultimate geek when it comes to succulents, I just think they're so darn beautiful!

so when I saw a tray of succulent babies in homebase a week ago I knew it was a sign that I had to make that terrarium I've been planning for so long. it's incredibly simple to do and they're such low maintenance rascals that even my special ability to kill plants is challenged..

you need a few basic things to put together a terrarium:

a selection of succulents/cacti (try garden centres/ikea/eBay)

a glass bowl

cacti/succulent compost (available in most garden centres)

gravel

sand

crushed charcoal (this is harder to find but is only there to minimise odour so is optional)

take your glass bowl and start to layer up the ingredients! the gravel base layer helps the plants with drainage, top with a layer of charcoal followed by a layer of sand (remember to keep the layers neat and even as it'll look nicer in the glass bowl!)

next is the succulent compost, I added a few inches in total (it depends on the size of your plants) remove the succulents from their pots and massage the roots to loosen up the root ball before you pot them into the compost.

I added a layer of gravel to the top to neaten it all but you can also add a layer of moss too.

water them verrrry lightly, you should aim to keep the terrarium only slightly damp. it shouldn't really be bone dry either but don't get carried away as too much water will make them rot! I might invest in a water sprayer to mist them as the succulents in my bathroom seem to love the humid moist environment and I rarely ever water them!

I love my DIY terrarium so much! 

I have a few baby succulents left over so I'm going to find some other ways of potting them.. maybe in some of my old china tea cups?

do you like?

caroline x