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How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents

by on Jul 22, 2015

photo: Lexy Ward

Raise your hand if you own a succulent or two. Or seven. I have a budding (pun intended!) succulent garden and have been in need of a way to put them on display without sacrificing precious and limited counter space. This simple DIY ladder is the perfect way to hang as many or as few as you like! Not to mention its cool throwback to the 90’s!      

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR LADDER:

  • 1 x 2″ x8′ long board (I love the modern look of pine!)
  • 5 matching dowels at 18″ x 3/4″
  • measuring tape
  • pencil
  • drill and accompanying bit to match the dowels
  • wood glue
  • clamps
  • tape (painter’s or washi)
  • paint (2 colors)
  • 2 paint brushes
How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

Start by sawing the large 8’x2″ in half so you have two pieces measuring 4′. Sand your edges. Measure in the middle of each piece and mark with the pencil. Measure and mark every 8 inches in both directions away from the center mark. You should have 5 marks total. Check to make sure the marks match up on both pieces of wood. 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

Next, take your drill bit and gently drill circular holes just a bit larger than your dowels. Drill at each mark so you finish with 5 holes. Be sure you only go halfway through the wood. 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

Place a little wood glue on the end of each dowel and stick each dowel into one side of the ladder. These will be the rungs. Line up the dowels with the other 4′ long piece and use a few clamps to hold in place until the glue dries. I let the glue dry overnight to be sure it was sturdy. 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

And bam! Look at your fancy ladder. Now it’s time to paint!

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

To get this geometric look that is reminiscent of the 90’s, use your tape and attach it to the pieces of wood at different angles. Before painting, be sure to know where you will be painting what color. 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

Remove the tape immediately after finishing the painting. It’s okay to wait until it dries, but it’s easier to remove when wet so you don’t peel away any paint that you don’t want to. Allow the paint to dry and then sand the edges once more to be sure they’re level! 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

It looks great as is. But wait! There’s more. 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

This ladder makes a great spot for storing and displaying throw blankets. 

? How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents  Caption Click and drag to move ?
photo: Lexy Ward

But wait! There’s more. 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

I picked up a few square planters made of plaster from my local Target store. You can find a great assortment of mini vases for indoor and outdoor use in their patio section! Simply drill a hole in the back of each and place a stainless steel S-hook through it. 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

Put a succulent (or other fancy plant) in your vase and hang it to the ladder rungs with the S-hook! 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

You can hang however many your heart desires and you can slide them around because they’re attached with the hooks. Change up the design and styling everyday of the week if you like! 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

It’s also nice because the plants are easy to remove and place in the sink for watering. When you’re finished, simply hang them back up! 

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

How To: DIY Ladder Garden With Hanging Succulents
photo: Lexy Ward

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