Create Your Own Living Picture Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide

A living picture frame is a unique and stunning way to bring nature into your home. This DIY project allows you to transform a simple picture frame into a living piece of art, filled with lush greenery or vibrant succulents. Not only does it add a touch of natural beauty to your space, but it also provides a creative way to display your favourite plants.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of creating your own living picture frame. From selecting the right materials and plants to building and maintaining your frame, we cover everything you need to know to get started.

Read more related: Mirror on the Wall: Create a Stunning DIY Garden Mirror

Benefits of a Living Picture Frame

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s explore some of the key benefits of having a living picture frame:

1. Space Efficiency: Perfect for small spaces, living picture frames make use of vertical space.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a unique and visually striking element to any room.
3. Air Purification: Plants help filter the air, removing toxins and releasing oxygen.
4. Creative Expression: Offers a creative way to display plants and personalize your space.
5. Easy Maintenance: Once established, living picture frames are relatively low maintenance.

Planning Your Living Picture Frame

Choosing the Right Frame

Selecting the right picture frame is the first step in creating your living picture frame. Here are some tips to help you choose:

• Size: Choose a frame size that fits the space where you plan to hang it. Larger frames make a more dramatic impact, while smaller frames are great for adding subtle touches of greenery.
• Depth: Ensure the frame is deep enough to hold the soil and plant roots. A depth of at least 2-3 inches is ideal.
• Material: Opt for a sturdy frame made of wood or metal, as it needs to support the weight of the soil and plants.

Preparing the Frame

Once you have selected a suitable frame, it’s time to prepare it for planting. Follow these steps:

1. Remove the Glass and Backing: Carefully remove the glass and backing from the frame, as they are not needed for the living picture frame.
2. Attach a Wire Mesh: Attach a wire mesh or chicken wire to the back of the frame using a staple gun. This will hold the soil in place while allowing the plants to grow through the openings.
3. Create a Soil Barrier: Attach a piece of landscape fabric or sphagnum moss behind the wire mesh to keep the soil from falling out.

Selecting Plants for Your Living Picture Frame

Choosing the right plants is crucial for the success of your living picture frame. Consider the following factors:

• Light Requirements: Assess the light conditions in your chosen location and select plants that will thrive in that environment. For sunny spots, opt for sun-loving plants like succulents. For shaded areas, choose shade-tolerant plants like ferns and mosses.
• Growth Habit: Select plants with a compact growth habit that will fit well within the frame. Trailing plants like string of pearls or creeping thyme add a beautiful cascading effect.
• Water Needs: Group plants with similar water needs together to ensure consistent and appropriate watering.

Some excellent plant choices for a living picture frame include:

• Succulents: Echeveria, sedum, hens-and-chicks, and crassula.
• Ferns: Maidenhair fern, Boston fern, and button fern.
• Mosses: Sheet moss, cushion moss, and fern moss.
• Trailing Plants: String of pearls, creeping thyme, and pothos.

Building Your Living Picture Frame

Materials Needed

To build your living picture frame, you will need the following materials:

• A picture frame
• Wire mesh or chicken wire
• Landscape fabric or sphagnum moss
• Staple gun and staples
• Potting soil
• Plants
• Waterproof backing (optional)
• Mounting hardware (hooks, screws, or brackets)
• Drill and screws (if mounting to a wall)
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Frame: Remove the glass and backing from the frame. Attach wire mesh to the back using a staple gun. Secure landscape fabric or sphagnum moss behind the wire mesh to create a soil barrier.
2. Install the Mounting Hardware: Use a drill and screws to securely attach the mounting hardware to the wall. Ensure it is level and can support the weight of the filled frame.
3. Attach the Frame: Hang the frame onto the mounting hardware. Double-check that it is securely fastened.
4. Fill with Soil: Lay the frame flat on a table and fill the space behind the wire mesh with potting soil. Press down gently to eliminate air pockets and ensure the soil is evenly distributed.
5. Planting: Carefully remove your plants from their nursery pots and insert them through the wire mesh openings. Add more soil around the plants as needed to secure them in place.
6. Watering: Water the plants thoroughly to help them settle into their new environment. Ensure the water reaches all parts of the soil evenly.

Maintaining Your Living Picture Frame

Watering

Consistent and appropriate watering is essential for the health of your living picture frame. Here are some tips:

• Check Soil Moisture: Regularly check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Water Evenly: Ensure all plants receive adequate water. Consider using a spray bottle or watering can with a long spout for easier access to all parts of the frame.
• Avoid Overwatering: Too much water can lead to root rot. Ensure your frame has good drainage, and adjust watering frequency based on plant needs.

Pruning and Grooming

Keep your garden looking its best with regular pruning and grooming:

• Trim Dead Leaves: Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to prevent disease and encourage new growth.
• Control Growth: Prune overgrown plants to maintain the desired shape and appearance of your garden.
• Clean the Frame: Periodically clean the frame to remove dust and debris, which can affect plant health.

Fertilizing

Feed your plants regularly to promote healthy growth:

• Use a Balanced Fertilizer: Choose a water-soluble fertilizer suitable for your plants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency.
• Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Excessive fertilizer can harm your plants. Stick to the recommended dosage and frequency.

Pest Control

Monitor your garden for pests and take action promptly to prevent infestations:

• Inspect Regularly: Regularly check your plants for signs of pests, such as aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs.
• Natural Remedies: Use natural pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, to treat infestations.
• Healthy Plants: Maintain healthy plants through proper care to reduce susceptibility to pests.

Inspiring Living Picture Frame Ideas

Succulent Art

Create a living picture frame filled with a variety of succulents. Their unique shapes, colors, and textures will create a stunning visual display. Arrange them in patterns or gradients for added artistic effect.

Fern Frame

Use different types of ferns to create a lush, green living picture frame. Ferns thrive in low light and high humidity, making them perfect for indoor settings such as bathrooms or shaded living rooms.

Moss Masterpiece

Create a serene and minimalist living picture frame using different types of moss. This is a great option for low-maintenance greenery that adds a touch of nature to any space.

Herb Garden

Grow your favorite culinary herbs in a living picture frame. This not only adds greenery to your kitchen but also provides easy access to fresh herbs for cooking. Popular choices include basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint.

Conclusion

A living picture frame is a versatile, space-efficient, and visually appealing way to incorporate greenery into your home or outdoor area. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a stunning vertical garden that enhances your living space and provides numerous benefits. Whether you choose to grow succulents, ferns, mosses, or herbs, a living picture frame is a rewarding DIY project that allows you to express your creativity and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Embrace the green life and transform your space with a living picture frame today.