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.