Daily Inspiration

Recycling at it's finest.

Lightbulb terrariums!

All you need is a clear light bulb, needle nose pliers and tweezers (for removing the insides of the lightbulb and for placing your objects inside), and a few ingredients from nature.

You first put a dot of silicone on the bottom side of the lightbulb so it sits the way you want it to. After the silicone dries, layer the bottom with sand, and last, place a few sticks, stones, and/or other elements to get your desired look. Air plants work exceptionally well for these terrariums as they don't need to be watered to survive- they absorb nutrients and moisture through the air. If you don't have any of those on hand (I didn't!), use anything that you think is pretty! I put a tiny homemade birdnest in the large bulb. (I am still trying to figure out what else to put in the small lightbulb- it's opening is less than 1/4 of an inch. The large lightbulb's opening is 1/2 inch.)

Thank you, http://thehipsterho.me, for the idea and the how-to!

They got a WAY better picture of theirs (I had a heck of a time with lighting!). 

On the 9th Day of Christmas...

Daily Inspiration

If you are looking to seed some climbing annuals, this might be a fun, different choice for you!

Cobaea Scandens

Cobaea Scandens has a Willy-wonkaesque quality to me- with it's giant teacups that look good enough to eat! This vine is better off started inside, 4-6 weeks before last frost, because it takes a while to germinate (21-30 days). Once in the ground it will quickly grow 10-12', and will be covered in large purple bell-shaped blooms summer through fall! 

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

Daily Inspiration

This is another flower seed that made it to my stash!

Five Spot

(Nemophila maculata)

This is an especially good annual flower for dry areas. It is a low-growing, carpet-forming flower that is great for borders or even containers. I am excited to see if it is a self-seeding annual or not (I hope so)! Five Spot blooms spring through summer!

On the 11th Day of Christmas...

Daily Inspiration

As we get our 2012 seeds in, I get inspired (and impatient!). I love to collect seeds of flowers, veggies, and herbs that I haven't grown yet, or those that I haven't even seen before. 

Here is a pretty one I am going to try this year:

Hummingbird Salvia

'Coral Nymph'

We get this seed from Renee's Garden. The description says: This premium variety is more compact and earlier blooming than other salvias, with clouds of nectar-rich, orchid-like blossoms in an enchanting shade of salmon-coral with tiny white stamens. Hummingbirds seek out and flock to Coral Nymph plants literally from dawn to dusk, and sprays of these charming flowers are lovely in mixed bouquets. Coral Nymph grows readily in a wide range of conditions throughout summer. Ideal for big containers or as easy-care, free-flowering border plants.