DIY Staghorn Fern Mount Backboard

The plant obsession continues for my hubby and I... lately our weekends have been spent collecting cacti and bargain pots from around town and week before last we added a pair of 15 year old stag ferns to our collection. We knew they needed work when we acquired them and that included new mounts for the back. So we started brainstorming options.

We live in a tiny low roofed space that we hope to leave in a year or two (fingers crossed!). I have only lived in and absolutely adore older homes from Edwardian to Art Deco and Mid Century but this mini Ramsay Street inspired complex is not for us, the spaces are a bit awkward and it's the kind of place where you step outside your door and can see little silhouettes behind lace curtains stalking watching as you go about your day - Gladys Kravitz style!!.

So when at home we lay low and potter around our little space the best way we know how - DIY'ing!!!

In order to hang the Stags we knew we needed a portable backing mount that could move with us. So we collected an old door from my sister and brother-in-law, bought some large screws and bolts and my hubby set to work. I am not joking when I say that this was the outfit he choose to work in (see below)... The vintage top is one thing but suede loafers - seriously... made him change after this pic was taken.

We haven't attached ferns to mounts before and while the stags are looking fine a month later I'd always consult with a nursery to ensure this method will suit your plant.

To attach a board using this method:
1. Decide how many rods you will need to support your fern.
2. Drill holes in the backboard to the size of your screws.
3. Place the screws in the fern at these intervals (you want them to penetrate the fern and reach the back board holes as shown below) Aim to pierce the fern under a few of the layers so that the screws are not visible from the front.
4. Place and fasten the nuts and bolts on the screw at the front and the back and trim away the excess metal at the back so the frame can sit flush on the wall.
5. Then sit the fern up and attach wire some or heavy duty string through the back attaching and supporting the top part of the plant to the board. It's very important to make sure the fern is well held and supported right around and right against the board before trying to hang. We were lucky to have inherited the ferns with some old hooks attached and we bent them over the board and hammered in place.
6. Then place on your wall as you would a framed artwork. Please ensure the nails and wall will hold your fern - once mounted they are very heavy!.

xx