DIY Springtime Centerpiece

For an early start on spring, create an idyllic miniature garden with this easy but elegant project by Martin Ciccone, co-owner of Horticultural Design in Toronto.

Grass provides a cheery splash of colour that brightens even the greyest day. Best of all, a grass-filled planter offers freshness of the outdoors with no need for a lawnmower.

Materials and Tools

• Container
• Plastic liner (if your container has drainage holes)
• Pebbles
• Nutrient-rich potting soil
• Shade grass seed
• Potted flowers
• Coloured eggs
• Smooth stones

Step 1

We used a shallow concrete basin but any kind of container, from a galvanized pail to a rusted urn, will do. If your container isn't leak proof, line it with plastic. Put a 1/2" layer of pebbles in the bottom for drainage.

Step 2

Add 1" of potting soil and level it off. Water soil thoroughly. Sprinkle with a generous layer of seeds. Use a mist bottle to wet the seeds (heavy watering will only push them to the sides).

Step 3

Place container in a window. Keep soil moist by misting with water. After two weeks, add a sprinkling of seeds to thicken. When grass reaches desired height (about three weeks), trim with scissors.

Step 4

Remove flowers from pots and shake off excess soil. Arrange flowers to look as if they grew naturally out of grass. Using a sharp knife, cut holes in grass, then insert flowers. Add coloured eggs and stones to decorate.