The Home Growns
3. Natural Wood Frame Living Picture
I’ll never forget the first time I created a botanical living picture for a client’s living room. It completely changed my perspective on what plant art could be! After years of experimenting with different techniques, I’ve mastered the art of combining preserved and living plants to create stunning wall-mounted masterpieces.
Selecting the Perfect Frame
Let me share a secret I discovered after many tries – natural hardwood frames with at least 4 inches of depth are absolutely essential. My first attempt used a shallow frame, and it was a disaster! Now I exclusively use kiln-dried oak or walnut frames that can withstand moisture without warping.
The ideal frame size I’ve found for most living rooms is 24×36 inches. Though I’ve created pieces as large as 4×6 feet, the smaller formats tend to have more impact and are much easier to maintain. The key is choosing a size that creates a focal point without overwhelming the space.
Preserved vs. Living Plant Selection
Here’s something that took me years to perfect – the ratio between preserved and living plants. Through trial and error, I’ve found that a 70/30 split of preserved to living plants creates the perfect balance of beauty and maintainability.
For the preserved section, I typically use:
- Preserved reindeer moss (amazing texture!)
- Sheet moss for the background
- Preserved ferns
- Dried florals for pops of color
For living plants, these have proven to be the most reliable:
- Air plants (nearly indestructible)
- Small pothos varieties
- Mini orchids
- String of hearts
Creating Depth and Dimension
This is where the magic happens! I learned that creating a three-dimensional effect is crucial for making these pieces look professional. I start with a base layer of preserved moss, then build up layers using different heights and textures.
One technique that’s become my signature is what I call the “living cascade” – positioning air plants and trailing varieties so they appear to float over the preserved elements. It creates this gorgeous, dynamic effect that changes as plants grow.
Maintenance and Care Tips
The beauty of these living pictures is their low maintenance needs. I always tell my clients that 15 minutes per month is all it takes to keep them looking fresh. Most of the piece is preserved, so you’re only caring for a small number of living plants.
My tried-and-true maintenance schedule:
- Mist living plants weekly
- Dust preserved sections monthly
- Trim any overgrowing plants every 6-8 weeks
- Replace air plants annually
Installation and Lighting
Here’s a pro tip that saved me countless headaches: always install a French cleat mounting system rather than trying to hang these pieces like regular frames. These botanical artworks can weigh up to 30 pounds, so proper installation is crucial!
Ready to take your plant wall game to the next level? Click that next button to discover how to create a Tropical Paradise Feature Wall! I’m about to share my secrets for transforming an entire wall into a lush, jungle-inspired oasis. Wait until you see the incredible humidity-loving plants I use to create that stunning rainforest effect – it’s absolutely breathtaking!
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