Keep Them Hanging

You can have your garden on a string with this quirky collection of kokedama

Epiphytes such as orchids and bromeliads don’t need a special growing medium to thrive. They draw nutrients from their environment, so are ideal for kokedama beginners.

Create your own plant planetary system by making a lush gathering of little Japanese moss balls – or kokedama. They’re simple to make from small specimens and, as they grow, you can move them to pots or your garden and then start all over again with a fresh collection. If you don’t want to use a stepladder to take them down for watering, display them on a tray instead as a striking table centrepiece.

When it comes to water-hungry plants such as ferns, you can use colourful synthetic twine, which won’t degrade over time from so much moisture when watering and misting. For an industrial look, use soft wire.

Ferns like lots of moisture all the time, so water the ball at least weekly. Plant your fern in bonsai growing medium before wrapping it up. This medium provides nutrients and aeration and drains well. Mist the air around the ball daily to keep the air nice and humid.