Lichens are incredible organisms. They're not plants and not animals. What are they then?

A lichen is a composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria (or both) living among filaments of a fungus in a symbiotic relationship (I got that from Wikipedia).

Was that too complicated? Never mind, lichens are beautiful, intricate, and simply amazing organisms.Lichens can survive in extreme conditions and they can also live very long.

Now lets go and make a lichen garden! Its very easy and simple. And it also looks very pretty as a decorative piece of natural art.

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Step 1: Gather Supplies.

For this Instructable you will need...

hammer
nails
square or rectangular plank (this will be your base)
tree branch with lichen growing on it

The tree branch with the lichen on is fairly easy to get at. I got mine in our woodpile.Please do not go and break off live branches from trees. There are plenty of dead wood with lichens growing on it.

How to indentify the lichens:

Lichens come in many colors, sizes, and forms. Their properties are sometimes plant-like, but lichens are not plants. Lichens may have tiny, leafless branches, flat leaf-like structures, flakes that lie on the surface like peeling paint, or other growth forms. (I got that also from Wikipedia)

Step 2: Preparing Your Wooden Base.

Hammer the nail into your square or rectangular plank so that the nail slightly comes through on the other side.

Step 3: Positioning Branch Next to Wooden Base.

You can do this either as shown on the picture. Or you could use a bench clamp to hold the branch in position and then nailing the wooden base to it.

Step 4: Nail the Branch Onto the Wooden Base.

I suggest nailing in two or more nails. As you can see on the picture, I nailed in three. This will keep your branch steady.

Step 5: Finishing Touches.

You might want to sand paper the wood where it was cut, so that it is more smooth.

Step 6: Caring for Your Lichen Garden.

Caring for your lichens is very easy. All they need is water, air, and sunlight. So all you need to do is to spray them lightly with water, (How often? I'm not so sure, but I'd say like once in 4 months, or once in a month, or once in a week. But it also depends on the climate in your region and also where you put your lichen) and put them in a spot where there is some light. That's basically all you have to do to care for your lichens!