new plants – temporary recycled planter
I purchased a couple of new plants for spring. I figured that they could live in their plastic planters for another month or so before I transfer them to new pots… but those ugly green plastic things didn’t sit so pretty on my windowsill. So, for the next few weeks the plastic planters will sit nestled inside of empty tomato cans. Wallah, beautiful!!
terrarium *update* new babies
Last summer I started a succulent terrarium and taught you how to do the same. (see the instructions here) This summer, I took some clippings and started a tiny new terrarium.
Most succulents propagate quite easily. Many websites list long and complicated rooting rituals which include special serums and plastic enclosures , but I’ve found that snipping off a piece and placing it cut side down in moist soil will often times do the trick.
*** click on the pictures to see details in full size ***
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- This is the terrarium when I started it in June 2009.
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- This is the same terrarium in 2010. I harvested some clippings from here to make my new terrarium.
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- Before I snapped this picture I took a few clippings. The one on the left, I used scissors to cut off about an inch and a half of the top, right above a stem joint. On the right, I bent off a piece, gently with my fingers.
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- Place the clippings, broken side down, into damp cactus soil. Keep the soil damp for the first few weeks then allow it to dry out as per the usual watering cycle for succulents.
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- This picture shows new growth from clippings taken from the succulent on the right in my terrarium. The end was burried in the soil and a new sprout came up from the roots adjacent to the clipped piece.
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- On the right is the new tiny terrarium I made with clippings and overgrowth from my older terrariums. On the left is my incubator (of sorts) with recent clippings waiting to take root.
tomato can herb garden
Empty tomato cans make the perfect pot for a seasonal Italian herb garden. See my old post for easy instructions on growing green at home. Bon Appetit!
rooting and revisting
New home. New needs. New uses for old projects.
Since I’ve moved, the floating herb garden has been dangling succulents and rooting cuttings.
cookie jar terrarium
Assembling a terrarium is rather simple, provided you have the right materials. The easiest to maintain is a succulent terrarium like this, for it requires lots of light and little water.
To get started you need to find a glass container. I used an old cookie jar, but anything from a glass vase to an empty pickle jar will do. Unlike a tropical terrarium, a succulent habitat is open air and does not require a lid.
The layers are outlined visually above…
Starting at the bottom, add rocks for drainage. For a personal touch, I added a layer of shells I collected recently at the beach (this is not required).
On top of the rocks, place a thin layer of charcoal. Charcoal for plants is sold almost anywhere you can buy soil, just ask. The charcoal layer helps to absorb impurities and prevent fungus from growing in the container.
After the charcoal, a layer of cactus soil, then your plants. If possible, leave a little space between your plants to give them room to multiply and grow.
09/16/09 The newest additions to my household…
The mini terrarium, made with an empty salsa jar and old fish tank gravel & the floating terrarium, inspired from this project.
floating herb garden
Creating this beautiful floating herb garden is simple, all you need are a few empty jars and a quick trip to the hardware store. The steps to make your own are outlined in the gallery below… be sure to click on the pictures to see the detail.
(click on an image to enlarge)
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Gather:
empty jar
needle nose pliers
s-hooks
clear picture wire
galvanized wire
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- Using the cutting part of the pliers, snip a piece of wire large enough to wrap around the mouth of the jar twice.
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- Find the center, then twist a loop into the wire.
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- Placing the loop on one side, wrap the wire tightly around the mouth of the jar.
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- Twist the wire into place opposite the first loop. Twist a couple more times to make it tight!
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- Using the pliers, make another loop. Twist and tighten the wire & then snip off any extra.
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- Cut a 15-20 inch piece of picture wire. Using the knot tying instructions on the package, tie one end to each loop (creating a handle).
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- Attach s-hook to hanging wire. I squeezed mine onto the wire so it would not get lost.
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- Measure how low you want your jar to hang. Cut and attach a piece of picture wire going from the s-hook to a nail in the wall to hang it on.
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- A detail shot of the hardware.
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- Add water, herbs or even flowers. Have fun!!
grow green
(click on an image to enlarge)
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- Gather Supplies: charcoal/stones, potting soil, seeds, hammer, nail, empty can
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- Use hammer and nail to add drain holes.
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- Tap 5 or 6 tiny holes into the bottom of the can.
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- Add a half-inch layer of stone or charcoal to the bottom of can to aid in drainage.
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- Fill can with soil, leaving about an inch of space at top. Add seeds & water generously.
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- Cover with plastic wrap, secure with rubber band. Place in direct sunlight atop plastic lid.
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- When the seeds begin to sprout, uncover, or they will begin to mold & rot.
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- Water, sun & watch green grow!!
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- … a few weeks later
flower cans
This one’s plain, simple, and best when duplicated.
Empty metal cans are an eco-stylish decorating advantage. These cheap and useful vases are a great way to disperse flowers throughout your home and yard while entertaining this summer season.
Simply collect and clean out your empty food cans. Tomato cans work well, because the inside of the can is coated with a special enamel finish, but any empty can will do.
If working with children, please make sure there are no sharp edges where the lid came off. If so, going over the area with a can opener one more time will usually do the trick.
To prevent rust rings on your furniture or ledges, coat the bottom of each can with clear nail polish, and allow to dry completely.
Fill the cans halfway with water. Add a few small stones to the bottom of each can to weigh them down, and then add the flowers. Tiny hands will find it fun and easy arranging flowers in these mini-marvels.
