For about $2 you can have a virtually never-ending supply of palm fronds or leaves for dioramas. A common ground-cover plant called New Zealand Brass Buttons (Leptinella Sqaulida) has a palm-tree-like leaf about 1″ long, and individual leaves on the fronds that are about .15″ long and saw-toothed on one edge. Natural colors range from bright medium green to a deep bronze shade.

Check with your local nursery for price; I paid about $2 each for three plants. In my garden, they work as ground cover with modeling benefits. All they need is a sunny spot and a little water.

Tip submitted by:
Bill DowningMt. Vernon, Wash.