Kokedama Moss Balls

Kokedama using miniature hosta and fern

I first heard of Kokedama while exploring Pinterest. Then I saw that one of our OAN-member garden centers offered a class on how to make it. I became intrigued with the concept. It looks relatively easy to create—the right soil seems to be the key—but I wondered if I would be successful because of the watering regime required to maintain them, especially indoors or outside during summer months. However, they are too cool not to share with you. Wouldn't they make an extraordinary gift or a gardening project for a child during the fall and winter months? I wonder if a miniature poinsettia could be used to display at each table setting during a holiday dinner and/or as a party favor for guests to take home?

Essentially, Kokodama is a Japanese art form, along the lines of Bonsai, but in this case a plant's roots are encased in a clay soil that's then covered in moss. The soil is part peat and part akadama (bonsai soil). Kokadam can hang indoors or out or be placed in a bowl, or be displayed on a platter or some other decorative object. Plants choices can vary from orchids, grasses, ferns, perennials and groundcovers to bulbs.
I found the most helpful and informational instructions on eHOW, but check out these other links, too, for tutorials:

• www.cutebonsaitree.com/how-to-make-kokedama.html
• voices.yahoo.com/japanese-kokedama-moss-ball-instructions-11172560.html
• www.designsponge.com/2011/04/diy-project-kokedama-string-garden.html
• www.redesignrevolution.com/diy-thursday-kokedama-string-garden
• www.ehow.com/how_8231522_make-kokedama-moss-ball.html

For additional photos and project ideas visit this Pinterest site. If you happen to make a Kokedama, share a photo, or let us know what plant(s) you used.