This is the very first combined planting I've ever done. I picked it out for color/form...without thinking about the individual plant's needs (unfortunately).
It is African Violet, Campanula and Polka-Dot Plant. I guess I'll keep an eye on them and if they look like they are struggling I'll deconstruct...
http://picasaweb.google.com/michelle.katt/Houseplants1/photo#5047063314192560130
MsKatt: Beautiful Container Garden! The only plant that may not do well is the Campanula. I think that is more of an outdoor plant, but I'm not really sure! I've never grown Campanula and I really like it, so pretty. If the Campanula doesn't survive, I would just remove it and plant something else in it's place! The Combination looks Wonderful! Love the colors. I think you did a teriffic job!
Lin
edited to say: You did such a good job on that Dish Garden, you should now be hooked! I love Container Gardening, both with House Plants indoors and Garden Plants in Containers out on my porch and deck!
This message was edited Mar 28, 2007 10:59 PM
Thanks for the kind words, Lin! Picking out colors is definitely my downfall. If the campanula looks like it's not doing so hot, I'll stick it outside. Too cold right now...
I really liked the campanula and the polka-dot plant. The campanula reminds me of a teeny tiny rosebush.
Michelle
Michelle: It does look like a llittle Miniature Rose Bush! I hadn't thought of that. I just love the Blue Color! I think you did a wonderful job of picking out the color's for that dish garden, It's very striking! I don't know if Campanula will grow down here in Florida, but I'm gonna do some research and see if it would survive in my zone .... it is so pretty.
Have a great day!
Lin
As pretty as it looks now, it probably won't stay that way. The polka dot plant will grow like a weed, it's roots will take over the entire pot VERY quickly and if you don't constantly pinch it back it will get very leggy ( they grow a few feet tall)
The african violet will not keep it's shape when it is jostling the others for room, they are really better off in a single pot with the room to grow in their natural shape. The other I don't know much about, but I would imagine that both it and the polka dot plant will need more water than the violet.
So, while this is nice for short term or a special occasion, it will eventually be a problem! Actually, most of these "dish gardens" eventually outgrow their dish and plant-mates, and are best for temporary decorating.
It was definitely short term :). I've already moved the polkadot plant to it's own container. My 10 year old daughter loved the pink and green leaves so it's in her room now. I gave the african violet to my MIL (I don't really like them) and the campanula is planted outside.
Hello Everyone,
I just love the garden dishes.
I do not know though how to make one.
Could you share your knowledge and are these types of dishes meant for long term or just something nice to put on your table as a centre piece?
They would make lovely gifts as well, hey.
Thanks everyone,
Debi
DownUnder
I don't make them so I'll let other people help you with that, but I think if you make one with plants that grow relatively slowly and all have similar light/water requirements, you can keep them at least for a few years if not longer. I see a lot of them done with small succulents, they don't grow very fast and they all have similar cultural requirements and I think people are able to keep them for a while.
Hi Ecrane,
I must have posted at the same time as the other's.
They have answered some of my questions, I appreciate that you took the time to reply to me.
Thanks Again,
Debi
