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Updated Spring Decor + Simple 10-Minute Terrarium

Post Easter spring decor updates including how to make an easy care, simple 10-minute terrarium with basic supplies.

Simple Spring Pansy-Hyacinth Basket Centerpiece - An Oregon Cottage

Now that Easter is over I really couldn’t wait to put away the egg-themed pastel things I experimented with and update our spring decor.

It’s okay for awhile – I just don’t want too much of it, you know? I enjoy pastels when they come in the form of flowers, otherwise I’m pretty much a green and neutral girl – with an occasional coral, purple or yellow accent.

The floral centerpiece above is pretty much my happy place: fresh flowers/plants in a thrifted basket with dollar store paper filler that I put together in five minutes.

Really, you can’t help but smile when you walk by – even if it’s pouring rain outside…sigh.

Spring Mantel

Green and White Garden Spring Mantel - An Oregon Cottage

After removing the Easter-y items and the upholstery-webbing banner from the early spring mantel, I realized what I had left carried a green and white garden theme, so I went with that, moving things around and adding another plant and urn with moss.

It’ll be easy to pop in some spring flowers as I pick them from the yard and any color I bring in will go with this neutral background.

10 Minute Terrarium

Simple 10-Minute Terrarium - An Oregon Cottage

I wanted to bring in more green, living plants and inspired by my friend, Amy of Mom Advice, I spent 10 minutes creating this simple terrarium in a thrifted apothecary jar with basic supplies you can find at home and garden stores.

I used the biggest apothecary jar I had, though it wasn’t big enough (more on that below), added some river rock from our yard to the bottom for drainage, plus some light potting soil (Update: a reader suggested adding a layer of activated charcoal between the pebbles and the soil to prevent rot, though I haven’t had problems it’s probably a good idea to take that precaution.).

After settling the plant in and topping with bit more soil, I watered it in well and then replaced the lid.

Simple 10-Minute Terrarium Divide-Conquer - An Oregon Cottage

One problem I’ve always found with the basic home and garden store plants is that they are too big for most lidded containers, yet I have a hard time finding tiny plants that don’t carry a big price tag (for what you’re getting…).

As you can see, this was the case here, too. So I divided the plant – and got an even better deal by ending up with 3 planted containers for the price of one!

Don’t be afraid to pull the roots apart – they might actually benefit from a little ‘root pruning’ like this plant, which was a bit root-bound in the original pot.

What kind of plant did I use, you might be wondering? Good question! I wish I had an answer – maybe some of you recognize this plant and can let us know?

All the tag said (that I faithfully kept so I could share with you!) is ‘Tropical Plants’ with some generic growing instructions (no direct sun, don’t let get too wet). Sorry!

10-Minute Terrarium at 1 day and 6 weeks - An Oregon Cottage

Whatever it is, it’s been doing wonderful in our decidedly not bright entryway. I actually put this together awhile ago which allows me to show you what it looked like on day one versus 6 weeks later – pretty nice, huh? It actually looks more healthy and settled.

What’s even better? I have not needed to add any water in that time, nor have I even removed the lid. This thing is e.a.s.y.!

So, if you think you have a ‘black thumb’ this may just be the way you can add some green living things to your home.

Though you don’t have to make a terrarium – one of the plant divisions I removed from the original plant was potted up regularly and has lived happily in our living room in the same amount of time. It has needed a couple of waterings, of course, though I did cover the top with moss to keep the soil from drying out too quickly.

Here’s to spring!

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8 Comments

  1. Just guessing but your plant looks like a waxy leaf philodendron, similar to Hoya Carnosa. Just a guess. I really enjoy your site/blogs/ and e mails. You give me hope that someone like me with just a wee bit of talent, might be able to accomplish more in the home, garden, and through crafting. Thanks!

  2. Your mantel is lovely. I too, tend to lean towards neutral shades in my decor these days. As you said, you can always add touches of color into the mix.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes