How to Create a Beautiful Living Air Plant Wreath

Bring Natural Beauty to Your Front Door with Moss & Tillandsias

One of my favorite ways to decorate with air plants is by creating a living wreath. Unlike traditional wreaths that fade after a season, this natural grapevine wreath can be enjoyed for years with just a little care. Air plants (Tillandsia) don’t require soil, making them the perfect choice for creating a lightweight, eye-catching piece of living art.

The wreath pictured above uses a rustic grapevine base, preserved moss, and a variety of air plants that create texture, movement, and color. Here’s how you can make one yourself!

Supplies You’ll Need

16–18 inch grapevine wreath
Assorted live air plants (8–12 plants)
Preserved sheet moss or reindeer moss
Floral wire (22–26 gauge)
Green floral pins (optional)
Fishing line or jute twine
Hot glue gun (for moss only—not for attaching the air plants)
Wire cutters
Spray bottle filled with water
The Best Air Plants for This Wreath
Using several different species creates the layered, natural look that makes this wreath so stunning.
1. Tillandsia xerographica
The showstopper!
Place one large Xerographica near the lower left side of the wreath. Its wide silver leaves become the focal point.
Why it works
Elegant rosette shape
Drought tolerant
Beautiful silver color
Long-lasting

2. Tillandsia capitata Peach or Green
These provide a fuller appearance with graceful curved leaves.
Place two or three throughout the center grouping.

3. Tillandsia ionantha
These tiny plants tuck perfectly into small openings.
Their compact size helps fill empty spaces, and many blush bright red before blooming.

4. Tillandsia stricta
Adds texture with its dense, upright leaves.
Great for filling middle sections.

Tillandsia bulbosa or caput-medusae

Their twisting, whimsical leaves add lots of personality.

Use one near the top for a dramatic cascading effect.

Step 1: Prepare the Wreath

Lay the grapevine wreath flat on a table.

Decide which section will hold your plants. This design looks best when about one-third of the wreath is decorated while the remaining grapevine stays exposed.

This asymmetrical style gives the wreath a modern botanical feel.

Step 2: Add the Moss

Using small amounts of hot glue, secure preserved moss into the grapevine.

The moss creates a soft woodland appearance while hiding floral wire.

Don’t cover the entire wreath—leave plenty of grapevine visible.

Step 3: Arrange Your Air Plants

Before attaching anything, simply set each air plant on the wreath.

Start with the largest plant first.

Arrange medium-sized plants around it.

Finish with the smallest air plants tucked into gaps.

Step back several times to make sure the arrangement feels balanced.

Step 4: Secure the Plants

Never glue air plants directly.

Instead:

Wrap thin floral wire gently around the base of each plant.
Thread the wire through the grapevine.
Twist the wire behind the wreath until snug.
Hide the wire beneath the moss.

Fishing line also works wonderfully because it becomes nearly invisible.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Tuck additional moss around the plants.

Allow several air plants to extend slightly beyond the wreath edge to create a more natural, flowing appearance.

Avoid making everything perfectly symmetrical—the organic look is part of the charm.

Caring for Your Living Wreath

Because these are live plants, they’ll appreciate a little attention.

Watering

Once each week:

Remove the wreath from the wall.
Soak the air plant portion in room-temperature water for 20–30 minutes.
Shake away excess water.
Allow the wreath to dry upside down for several hours before rehanging.

During hot summer weather or in very dry homes, lightly mist the plants between soakings if needed.

Light

Hang your wreath in:

Bright, indirect light
A covered porch
A shaded patio
Near a sunny window indoors

Avoid intense afternoon sun, which may scorch the leaves.

Post comments if you like this fun DIY project!

🌿 July Garden Newsletter 🌿

Hello Garden Friends!

First, I owe you a little apology. 💚

July has been a wonderfully busy month, and before I knew it, our newsletter date had slipped right past me! Thank you so much for your patience and for continuing to be part of this growing garden community. Whether you’re tending a backyard oasis, a tiny porch garden, or just keeping a few favorite houseplants happy, I’m so grateful you’re here.

Now let’s dig into this month’s gardening inspiration!

🌱 Three Herbs You Can Still Plant in July (Perfect for Porch Pots!)

Think it’s too late to grow herbs? Not at all! These three thrive in containers and love soaking up the summer sunshine.

🌿 Basil

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow in a pot.

Growing Tips

Plant in a container with excellent drainage.
Give it 6–8 hours of sunshine daily.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Pinch off flower buds to encourage more leafy growth.

Harvest: Pick leaves regularly from the top of the plant, and it’ll continue producing all summer.

🌿 Rosemary

This fragrant herb loves warm weather and makes a beautiful porch plant.

Growing Tips

Use a well-draining potting mix.
Water deeply but allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Place in full sun.

Harvest: Snip a few stems whenever needed. Fresh rosemary is wonderful for cooking, homemade herbal oils, and even natural hair rinses.

🌿 Chives

Chives are incredibly beginner-friendly and keep producing for months.

Growing Tips

Grow in full sun or light afternoon shade.
Keep the soil consistently moist.
Divide clumps every few years to keep plants vigorous.

Harvest: Cut leaves about 2 inches above the soil and they’ll quickly grow back.

🥒 Growing & Harvesting Cucumbers

Zones 6, 7 & 8)

There’s nothing quite like picking a crisp cucumber straight from the garden!

Planting

In Zones 6–8, July is still a great time to sow another crop of cucumbers for a late summer or early fall harvest, especially if you choose fast-maturing varieties.

Plant in full sun.
Mix compost into the soil before planting.
Space plants 12–18 inches apart.
Keep soil consistently moist.
A trellis saves space, improves airflow, and helps produce straighter cucumbers.

Harvesting

The secret to productive cucumber plants is harvesting often!

Pick slicing cucumbers when they’re 6–8 inches long.
Pick pickling cucumbers at 3–5 inches.
Don’t allow fruits to become oversized, or the plant will slow production.
Harvest every couple of days during peak season.

Garden Tip: Water at the base of the plant instead of overhead to help reduce powdery mildew during the heat of summer.

DIY Summer Patriotic Planter 🌿

Turn a simple terra cotta flower pot into a fun summer-inspired planter perfect for porches, patios, BBQ tables, or garden spaces! This easy DIY uses bold red, white, and blue colors with a rustic farmhouse touch!

Supplies Needed

Terra cotta flower pot
White chalk paint or acrylic paint
Red acrylic paint
Blue acrylic paint
Foam brushes or paint brushes
Painter’s tape
Star stencil or star stickers
Sandpaper (optional for distressed look)
Clear sealer spray (optional)
Potting soil
Summer flowers or herbs

Step 1: Prep the Flower Pot

Start with a clean terra cotta pot. Wipe away any dust or dirt so the paint sticks smoothly.

Step 2: Paint the Base White

Using white chalk paint, coat the entire flower pot.
Let dry completely before adding the next layer. You may need 2 coats for full coverage.

Step 3: Create Red Stripes

Use painter’s tape to mark off stripe sections around the pot.
Paint the open sections red using a foam brush for a rustic handmade look.

Tip: Don’t worry about perfectly straight lines — the slightly imperfect brush strokes give it charming cottage-style character.

Step 4: Paint the Rim Blue

Paint the top rim of the planter bright blue.
Allow it to dry fully before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Add White Stars

Use a small stencil, star stickers, or hand-paint stars around the blue rim for a patriotic summer theme.

Step 6: Distress the Pot (Optional)

Lightly sand a few edges and stripes for a weathered farmhouse finish.

Step 7: Seal Your Design

Spray with a clear outdoor sealer if the planter will stay outside during summer rain and heat.

Step 8: Add Flowers 🌸

Fill the planter with potting soil and your favorite summer blooms.

Great plant ideas:

Red geraniums
Blue plumbago
White petunias
Herbs like basil or thyme
Small trailing vines

Styling Ideas

Place on a porch table for Fourth of July décor
Group several painted pots together
Add solar lights around the planter
Use as a centerpiece for outdoor summer parties

This project is beginner-friendly, affordable, and such a fun way to brighten up your garden space for summer!

Ants in the Garden: Friend or Foe?

If you’ve ever stepped into your garden and noticed tiny trails of ants marching across the soil, you may have wondered if they are helping or hurting your plants. The truth is — ants can actually be both beneficial and troublesome depending on the situation. These hardworking insects play an important role in nature, but large colonies or certain behaviors can create problems for gardeners.

Let’s dig into the surprising world of ants in the garden and learn how to work with nature while protecting your plants.

Why Ants Can Be Beneficial in the Garden

Not all ants are bad! In fact, many gardeners appreciate ants because they can improve the health of the garden ecosystem in several ways.

1. Ants Help Aerate the Soil

As ants tunnel underground, they loosen compacted soil and create tiny air pockets. This natural digging process allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to move more easily through the soil, helping plant roots grow stronger and healthier.

2. They Clean Up Organic Matter

Ants act like little garden cleaners. They carry away dead insects, fallen leaves, and decaying organic material. This helps break down waste and contributes to a healthier garden environment.

3. Ants Can Help Spread Seeds

Some ants collect seeds and transport them back to their nests. Along the way, a few seeds may get dropped and eventually sprout in new areas of the garden. Certain wildflowers actually rely on ants for seed spreading.

4. They Prey on Harmful Insects

Some species of ants hunt and feed on insect eggs, caterpillars, termites, and other pests that may damage plants. In moderation, ants can help keep parts of the garden balanced naturally.

When Ants Become a Garden Pest

Although ants can provide benefits, they may also create headaches for gardeners when colonies become too large or when ants protect harmful insects.

1. Ants Protect Aphids

One of the biggest problems with ants is their relationship with aphids. Aphids produce a sweet substance called honeydew, which ants love to eat. To protect their food source, ants will actually defend aphids from beneficial insects like ladybugs.

This allows aphid populations to grow quickly and damage garden plants by sucking sap from leaves and stems.

2. Ant Hills Can Damage Roots

Large ant colonies may build tunnels around plant roots, especially in containers or raised beds. Too much tunneling can dry out the soil and weaken young plants.

3. Fire Ants Can Be Dangerous

In warmer climates, fire ants can become a serious issue. Their painful stings can make gardening unpleasant and may even harm pets or wildlife.

4. Ants May Invade Fruits and Flowers

Some ants are attracted to ripe fruits, nectar-rich blooms, or sugary plant secretions. They may crowd flowers, climb vegetable plants, or enter homes from nearby gardens.

How to Deter Ants From Destroying the Garden

If ants are causing problems in your garden, there are several natural and garden-friendly ways to discourage them without harming your plants.

Keep Aphids Under Control

Since ants are often attracted to aphids, managing aphids can greatly reduce ant activity.

Try:

Spraying plants with water to knock aphids off
Introducing ladybugs into the garden
Using neem oil or insecticidal soap

Sprinkle Natural Ant Deterrents

Ants dislike certain strong scents and textures. You can lightly sprinkle around garden beds:

Cinnamon
Diatomaceous earth
Coffee grounds
Crushed peppermint leaves

These natural options may help disrupt ant trails and discourage nesting.

Avoid Overly Dry Soil

Some ants prefer dry, loose soil for nesting. Regular watering and healthy mulch layers can make garden beds less attractive to large colonies.

Use Mulch Carefully

While mulch benefits plants, thick dry mulch can sometimes hide ant nests. Occasionally fluff or check mulch areas to monitor activity.

Plant Ant-Repelling Herbs

Some herbs may help discourage ants naturally, including:

Mint
Lavender
Rosemary
Tansy

As a bonus, these herbs also attract pollinators and add beauty to the garden.

Final Thoughts

Ants are a fascinating part of the garden ecosystem. In small numbers, they often help improve soil health and assist with natural cleanup. However, when ants begin protecting aphids or building large colonies around plants, they can quickly become a nuisance.

The key is balance. By observing your garden closely and using natural deterrents when needed, you can protect your plants while still supporting a healthy outdoor environment.

Next time you spot ants marching through the garden, take a closer look — they may be tiny, but they have a big impact on the world beneath our feet.

Hello June! 🌞🌿

June Garden Newsletter

June has arrived with warm sunshine, buzzing pollinators, and gardens that seem to grow a little more each day. This is one of the most exciting months for gardeners because there is still plenty of time to plant, experiment, and enjoy the beauty of the season. Whether you’re growing vegetables on a patio, tending herbs in raised beds, or filling your home with houseplants, June is full of fresh possibilities.

This month we’re talking about the best vegetables to plant now, easy herbs to grow, and one of the internet’s favorite houseplants that continues to trend year after year.

Top 5 Vegetable Plants to Start Growing in June 🥒🍅

1. Cucumbers

Cucumbers thrive in warm weather and grow quickly once summer temperatures settle in. They love sunshine and regular watering. Give them a trellis and they’ll happily climb upward, saving space in the garden while producing crisp cucumbers perfect for salads and pickling.

Growing Tips:

Plant in full sun
Keep soil consistently moist
Harvest often to encourage more growth

2. Green Beans

Beans are one of the easiest vegetables to grow in June because they enjoy the heat and germinate quickly in warm soil. Bush beans are great for smaller gardens, while pole beans can grow tall on supports or fencing.

Growing Tips:

Sow seeds directly into the garden
Water deeply during dry spells
Pick beans while young and tender

3. Okra

Okra absolutely loves summer heat, making June the perfect time to plant it. The plants are beautiful with large leaves and hibiscus-like flowers before producing pods.

Growing Tips:

Needs full sun and warm soil
Water regularly during hot weather
Harvest pods while small for best flavor

4. Summer Squash & Zucchini

These fast-growing plants can quickly fill a garden bed with huge leaves and bright yellow blooms. One or two plants can provide an impressive harvest through summer.

Growing Tips:

Give plants plenty of room
Water at the base to prevent mildew
Harvest zucchini while still medium-sized

5. Peppers

June is a wonderful time to plant peppers because they enjoy hot temperatures and sunny locations. Bell peppers, jalapeños, banana peppers, and sweet mini peppers all thrive this time of year.

Growing Tips:

Use nutrient-rich soil
Avoid overwatering
Fertilize monthly for healthy fruit production

Two Wonderful Herbs to Start Growing in June 🌱

Basil

Basil is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow during summer. Its fragrant leaves are perfect for homemade pesto, pasta dishes, fresh salads, and pizza toppings.

Basil Care:

Needs 6–8 hours of sunlight
Pinch flowers off to keep leaves growing
Water when soil begins to dry

A bonus? Pollinators absolutely adore basil flowers if you let a few bloom later in the season.

Mint

Mint grows quickly and smells amazing after summer rain or watering. It’s wonderful for teas, desserts, fruit dishes, and refreshing summer drinks.

Mint Care:

Prefers partial sun to full sun
Keep soil moist
Best grown in containers because it spreads rapidly

Fresh mint leaves in lemonade on a hot June afternoon feel like summer magic.

Trending Houseplant Spotlight 🌿

The Monstera Deliciosa

One of the most searched and loved houseplants online continues to be the beautiful Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. With its large tropical leaves and dramatic splits, it has become a favorite for plant lovers and home décor enthusiasts alike.

The Monstera brings a lush jungle vibe indoors while being surprisingly beginner-friendly.

Monstera Plant Care

Light

Monsteras love bright indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light may slow growth and reduce leaf splits.

Watering

Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Monsteras dislike soggy roots, so always use pots with drainage holes.

Humidity

Because Monsteras are tropical plants, they appreciate humidity. Misting occasionally or placing the plant near a humidifier can help keep leaves healthy.

Soil

Use a chunky, well-draining potting mix designed for houseplants or tropical plants.

Growth Tip

Monsteras love climbing. Add a moss pole or support stake to encourage larger leaves and upward growth.

June Garden Reminders 🌼

Water early in the morning to help plants handle heat
Watch for pests like squash bugs and aphids
Add mulch around veggies to retain moisture
Feed flowering and fruiting plants regularly
Take time to enjoy your garden, even for just a few quiet moments each day

Gardening isn’t only about growing plants — it’s about slowing down, noticing small changes, and creating beauty around us. June is the perfect month to step outside, sip something cold, and watch your garden come alive.

Happy Gardening! 🌿☀️