As the garden grows, so shall the gardener. One of the most delightful things about the garden is the anticipation it provides.

This Saturday, a perfect day of rest. Rainy weather, large blanket, warm tea, home cooked meal, a bittersweet movie ‘Your Name‘, cuddly doll and of course, yarns.

My little crochet garden by the windowsill is expanding day by day, one stitch at a time. I find it therapeutic just looking at them, and dreaming about the possible plant types I can add to the collection. But first, I need more mini pots, more tiny stones, more shades of green yarn, and perhaps a goblin to care for them.

These crochet plants are so quick, and simple to make. You can easily whip up a garden full of succulents within an hour or two. The best thing about it is you don’t need green fingers to keep them alive! I am not good with live plants myself, so this is my next best alternative. For all the plant lovers out there with no green fingers, here’s how you can make your own crochet garden in five easy steps.

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WHAT YOU NEED:

• 2mm or 3mm crochet hook
• 4-ply yarn in various shades of green
• 4-ply yarn in bright colours (for flowers)
• Tiny paper fasteners (for flowers)
• Toothpicks
• Mini terra cotta pots or glass jars
• Small stones
• Cardboard
• Polyester stuffing
• Scissors and yarn needle

*Please see reference guide before starting your project.

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INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut a circle in the cardboard. This will act as a base to cover the drainage hole that usually comes with all pots. Skip this step if you are using a recycled glass jar.

2. Fill the pot ¾ full with stones. You can either use actual plant stones or craft beads.

3. Crochet the succulent. Here’s a list of the various types:
   • Saguaro cactus (require polyester stuffing)
   • Barrel cactus (require polyester stuffing)
   • “Twisty” cactus – unsure of its actual name
   • Turkish rosularia succulent
   • Succulent echeveria hookeri
   • String of pearls succulent

4. If you are making a flowering cactus, insert the tiny paper fastener into the MR to create the nectar.

If you are keen to try another type of flower, here’s the pattern for the one I have made:

Ch 7, and sc across from 2nd ch of hook

Ch 7, sc across from 2nd ch of hook, and sl st to the core (that is the st closest to the starting yarn tail)

Repeat step 2 until you are satisfied with the number of petals.

FO, and leave a long tail for sewing.

5. Use a toothpick to secure the succulent to the pot. Poke one end through the succulent and stick the other end into the pot. Fill the pot with stones.

And voila! You are well on track to making these tiny potted plants as gifts for your loved ones or even yourself. Enjoy ~