We’ve got a box full of random pieces of vintage crockery – kept in store just in case we need them to make up sets. To be honest, this doesn’t happen that often so we decided to give them a new life in a different way.

Amongst the selection are a whole host of lovely cups – the perfect home for small plants. We did something similar with colourful tins some time ago.

So it was off to our local garden centre where we bought small cacti, succulent compost and fine gravel.

As there are no drainage holes, start with a good layer of gravel to prevent water-logging. You’ll still need to avoid over-watering though – especially in the winter.

Certain cacti seem to suit certain cups – whether it’s the size, shape, form or colour.

Surround with the succulent compost and firm in.

Finish with an attractive top layer – we chose this crushed shell mix that they had in the aquarium section of the garden centre.

And voilà – cactus in a cup!

We think they look gorgeous – especially in a small grouping. We kept a few for ourselves and took some to our antiques centre space, where they’ve found a nice home on a window sill.