Everything about this plant was free

Full confession, I collect planters and planting supplies even if I don't have a specific need.
Yes.
I am a plant hoarder who likes to be prepared.

For example, I found some black plastic plant pots while biking home one night, and even though they were a bit awkward to balance on the handlebars they made it home. So far I've used two of the six.   More recently I found a pair of adobe-colored plastic planters with separate trays, score!  I've also found the occasion bag of potting soil, not glamorous but something that I can *always* use.

This preparation meant that when a large aloe cutting showed up on my desk one day I was ready to plant it.  I trimmed the black plastic inner pot so it wouldn't stick out over the top of the adobe-colored outer pot.

I could have planted the entire aloe directly in the adobe-color plastic pot, but the drainage holes are rather small, and I wanted to keep the pot small while the cutting is developing roots. This way there is a large gap below the bottom of the black pot for drainage.

I used some shells on top of the dirt to help hold things in place, and even the shells are free courtesy of my parents and their trip to the beach.

Happy freestyling and plant swapping.

Polluter to purifier - part 2

Regular readers may remember the first polluter to air purifier post, where I converted an old wax-in-glass candle into a planter.  That particular find actually came with two discarded candles, and here is the story for the small white glass cylinder.

The finding...

The cleaning...

And after I had re-potted a spiky little aloe into the glass.
 Note: When planting succulents in containers without drainage holes you have to be very conscious about NOT overwatering them.

So there you have it, two different wax-filled glass candles, saved from the garbage dump and given new life as planters.

Happy freestyling and gardening in whatever space you have.

NQF - Vintage ice bucket becomes a planter

[author's note: I thought I published this post earlier, but according to Blogger it was still a draft, so if you have seen it before, well, you know how it ends, if not, read on!]]

Say hello to the NQF.

Not Quite Free, a designation I'll use when there is something oh-so-worth-sharing that involved paying money somehow. Surprising perhaps, but it does happen.


I write this from deep within the throes of my succulent obsession.  Lately I find myself perusing the shelves of Central Square thrift stores with an intense eye for anything tarnished and ornately fashioned.  It can't just be silver, it has to be slightly aged.  It has to be ornamented, with some sort of scrolled, molded, or floral decorative motifs to have the right look I'm after to round out my vision for a shelf of succulents in silverplate planters.......

Behold the ice bucket!!

I thought the substantial depth would allow for a thick gravel layer at the bottom for adequate drainage of the plants.  Am I the first to post about re-using an ice bucket in this way? Probably not.  Did I know what I was doing when I decided to take out the old and crumbly lining/insulation that connected the ceramic insert to the silver? Most definitely no.  After my deconstruction I discovered that the white ceramic insert was just sitting on a rough wooden block to keep it from touching the metal.

I added planting materials (gravel, succulent/cactus potting soil) and my plants - a mix of purchases from a local florist and the Scandinavian superstore (who would have thought?).  Check out the results.

I should note that at first I thought this doohickey was a soup tureen.  It was Creative Roommate who said, "oh, it's an ice bucket, my Aunt ----- had one of those when I was growing up."  Nice.

Project costs
Ice bucket from the Goodwill: ~ $8.99
Plants (from 2 different stores):  ~ $15

While the planter and plants were not quite free, the inspiration certainly was.  Check out some the pictures that inspired me (below) or search for 'succulents and silver' to find your own favorites.

via Pinterest

via Garden Therapy featured on Shelterness

via Antiquechase
I'm impressed with the trophy cup on the left, it adds such nice height variation.

This won't be the last post describing succulents planted in silverplate containers, so stay tuned.
Happy not-quite-freestyling!