Friday, May 31, 2013

Terrariums At Its Best

Terrariums as we can remember are Science projects in which we create a small Eco-system inside a glass container to keep and observe living plants and animals. Nowadays, it is famously known to accentuate ornamental features of  indoor and outdoor designs. It adds highlight to any architectural creation because of it's unique and one of a kind structure and component. Not everyone is familiar with terrariums so this can be a superb gift plant idea to someone who appreciates green and home accents.


The process of preparing the plants in the terrarium is the same in creating a miniature garden, the difference is the clear decorative glass container so you can see the plants inside. You need to choose plants that doesn't grow bigger than its container so it can occupy enough space inside. Many online shops offer ready to ship terrariums with beautiful plant arrangements so if you're planning to give someone this special gift, the option is up to your fingertips.


These gifts are nice to decorate in any parts of the house. We can plant easy to grow succulents and cactus, mosses, small plants and flowers like pansies or orchids. There are many kinds of terrarium to choose from. Hanging terrariums are those you hang in the windows, porches, doors and garden. Another type are wall terrariums which are placed on walls. There are also kinds of terrariums that can be placed on tabletops as centerpieces like the jar and tabletop terrarium. The most expensive ones are plant stands which can be a nice gift for weddings, anniversaries and housewarmings. You can also make your own gift by buying pretty glass containers in the market and plant it with your favorite plants. You can show creativity by adding fancy figurines to your small garden.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Herbs and Succulents For Father's Day



An herb is a  plant of many uses. Its leaves, seeds and flowers are used as flavoring to season any culinary dishes. Like the lavender, some herbs are used as perfumes, others are used as medicinal plant. Nowadays, herbs are used as interior ornaments placed in fancy containers to add an aromatic piece in our house especially in the kitchen. Herbs are very useful and we often think of it as flavors and aroma because it contributes a lot to enhance our cooked dishes. It is a versatile plant that can be given as gifts because simply herbs show sincerity and passion.  Herbs are not only greens, it also has flowers like the edible Pansy and Nasturtiums that gives a bright shade to any tabletops, kitchen tops, planters, pots, window boxes and other decorative containers. Herbs in embellished pots are two in one gifts because you're giving a decorative ornament and a kitchen essential in one.


Another great gift idea are succulents and cactus. Father's day is coming and succulents are adored by men because they don't have to water it everyday and it's less effort to maintain. Most fathers are not into gardening because they're busy at work. When given plants in containers, they usually have lesser time growing them because they have other activities to do that's this plant suits their lifestyle. You can surprise them by placing potted succulents on their office desk this Father's day to surprise your father or husband. Not only women feels special when given flowers. Men like flowers too so why not returning the favor this Father's day? Men also loves to cook and let's admit it, men are greater chefs than women. Their sense of smell is somehow more sensitive than women when it comes to food. I guess that's why most chefs in famous restaurants are men because they have unusual taste in cooking. So if your hubby or Dad loves to cook, you can give them herbs in a father's day inspired container which you can buy in any garden or online shop.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Bonsai As Gifts Of A Lifetime

Growing a Bonsai plant is rewarding especially if you reached the desired shape and balanced form. If you can't understand why some people love bonsai plants, well it can be compared to dog lovers who like smaller breed of dogs rather than large ones. The smaller the bonsai, the cuter it looks, it's like a baby who stays adorable for a longer of time and doesn't change even in a lifetime. They say making plants a bonsai is cruel because you prevent it from growing, bending the branches to attain the perfect shape you want, but I guess bonsai plants are more fortunate because as they grow older, they are still being loved, adored and taken cared of because they are special in how they were embossed.


It takes time to grow a bonsai plant and to attain the desired shape and form that's why if you are a beginner, taking responsibility to finish what you've started is needed to achieve gardening rewards. If the green thumb isn't green but brown, there is still hope for your index finger to press the " buy now" button on your computer. Ordering online or buying from a garden shop is a necessity for those who weren't gifted with fairy dusts.


Bonsai Plants are used both in residential and commercial establishment as an indoor ornament. Famous bonsai plants are Juniper, Gardenia, Rosemary, Azalea, Bougainvillea, Pyracantha, Plum, Ponytail Plant and Jade Succulent. Actually, you can cultivate any plant as a bonsai as long as it can be grown in a container. More and more group of people continues bonsai as a hobby. They say once you grow a bonsai, it will give you a pleasant view of a lifetime. It can be a sentimental gift to a friend or loved-one and can bring inspiration to your children and your children's children.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Bamboo Plants For A Lucky Life

Bamboo plants have many uses for indoors or outdoors. You can even build a house out of it. Many houses and offices use bamboo plant as a sign of good luck and prosperity . It's one best gift you can give to someone during weddings, housewarmings, new baby, sympathy, anniversaries and birthdays. It can also be given to any holiday of the year since this plant can blend in perfectly with different surroundings. It's versatility can create architectural creations often used in both residential and commercial spaces. It can be used as gates, fence, doors, floors, walls, ceiling, windows, furniture, roof and ornamental plants.


In Asia, bamboo is used in almost every homes. It's durability is incomparable and can last a long time in different weather conditions. In U.S., many households prefer to use bamboo materials as fixtures and in their garden because it can last longer during severe weather especially rain. In gardening, it is used as gift ornament and shares a big part in creating a Zen or a Japanese rock garden.

  

 
Many stores online offer nice arrangement of bamboo plants like in givinglants.com. Bamboo plants can be a arranged in a heart shape pattern and can be given as Valentine gifts during February the 14th. It can be also a nice present for your dad on Father's Day. This is a nice alternative for green shrubby plants because of its unique design and clean edges. It's perfect for office decoration and as a center table ornament. They say that if you give a lucky bamboo to someone, their life will be successful. Well I guess there is nothing wrong believing in beliefs. So if you're into business, try to buy one and see if it does make a change on your business. You can also give it to someone to whom you think needs luck like in love-life, career, business and competitions.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Flower Centerpiece Ideas

 

An adorable flower centerpiece brings fragrance and hue to a tabletop. It doesn't have to be expensive, it just need to be creative and full of imagination to achieve a well-deserving masterpiece. Choosing your centerpiece is the same as choosing the paint color of your wall. It has to be your favorite, something that can make you feel comfortable, relaxed and at home because when you sit down on the couch or sit on the dining table, it is the first thing your eyes will take a glance at. Remember that when your tired or stressed, the first thing you need to see are things that provides a positive mood to uplift your spirit. Flowers and plants does that, it provides positive energy that helps us feel relaxed.


You can buy artificial arrangement, fresh cut flowers or flowers in decorative containers to decorate your tabletop. Flowers in pots can be used for a longer time since it grows and you can change or re-decorate the containers from time to time. You can recycle your unused canister, tins and colorful jars to create a unique arrangement. Also, you can be creative by combining growing plants and fresh cut flowers like the wheat grass centerpiece above.


You can also buy ready-to-use centerpieces. If you don't have time to make one yourself, then shopping online is the easiest way to order. Decorating your own containers can be satisfying. Another way is to paint your pots with your favorite tint and design. You can also place your plants in paper bags and tie a ribbon like on the upper right picture above. To satisfy your admiration in making these centerpieces, there are things you need to consider like the season and your mood. Not all the time your receive a positive vibe so if you get bored with the lay-out, there's always a room for a change.

Friday, May 10, 2013

From Head To Toe Accessories With Floral Accent


Flowers can be trendy in many ways, clothes, bags, accessories and even cakes. The love for flowers are present in everyone and using it to show your fashion is somehow creating an impression of summer. Summer is hot and flower designs are in trend since it creates a cool scene which will complement with the weather. Using floral designed accessories can sometimes be exaggerated so make sure not to overdo the fashion you want to implement. 



Using a headband prevents hair from covering your eyes and adds a fancy accessory to the one who use it. It can be use everyday, in different parties or celebration. You can also make DIY headbands out of fresh flowers from your garden. You can make endless creation inspired from a bountiful indoor flowering potted plants.  You can check some tips on YouTube for artistic creations.



Cool summer clothes are in trend especially with printed flower patterns that adds color to the heat of the summer. Make sure to look for thin and comfortable clothes to prevent over-sweating Fashionable floral dresses are available online if you don't want to go outside on a hot weather.


Nail-art flower design is a must to create a cool summer fashion. Use bright colors to implement the season. Some creative ideas can be found on the net and easy DIY tips to highlight your lovely nails.

 

The bags should never be left behind on a nice beach vacation. A lot of trendy large floral bags are in use during summer to pack everything up and ready to go. You can check every store for floral bags since summer is near.

 

Your pairs will complete your summer floral fashion. Everything's done from head to toe and now you can create, experiment and show-off your style to your friends.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Get Ready For Mother's Day! -Tips...tips...tips..



May the 12th, a very memorable day not only for mothers but also for their children who will compete in giving the best gift for their mom. Mother's day is the same as celebrating your mom's birthday and this is the time we're encouraged to post " I love you " in our twitter and Facebook profiles. Remembering how lucky we are to have a mom like ours is a thing to be proud of, that's why on this very memorable holiday, I have tips on how to surprise your mom with love and kisses.


First on the list are flowers. Take note that this one should not be forgotten, it can come in solo or can be paired with other gifts. You know flowers are proven to make women smile so prepare to look for dainty arrangements or best, buy her growing flowers in decorative containers ( it can stay longer and your mom can see it grow ). Second, a cake with a simple " Happy Mother's Day " or " I Love You " dedication tags will surely tickle her heart. Before buying the right cake for your mom, make sure she doesn't have any health problems like diabetes because if so, you need to look for unsweetened or healthy alternatives like carrot cupcakes. Third, you need to look for a gift that she likes to wear like perfumes, clothes, shades, jewelries, or a car if you're rich (ha ha ha...). If you're on a tight budget, you can go back to step one, don't worry because I used to do that ever since I was 8 and she never complains.


Remember that a mom wants you to save money, so if she reacts with your gift, tell her you are just returning the favor. Mothers will worry but inside, their heart explodes with happiness. One great experience I had was when I surprised my mom with a dinner date, I brought my father, ( which is her ex-husband) and two other siblings. We had a simple meal but my moms face was filled with happiness and it made me think that she's overwhelmed with what I did for her that Mother's Day.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Vegetables You Can Grow In The Kitchen


A garden in the kitchen is what everyone loves, most people are having problems setting it up because of the little space in the house or afraid that they can't grow these vegetables. It is easy to cook when you have fresh vegetables in the kitchen since it makes cooking comfortable. Freshly picked veggie gives a fresh taste and aroma. It also helps improve the atmosphere of the house, adds a touch of nature and provides fresh air in the hot kitchen. Many people are hesitant to invent creative garden designs for their kitchen due to the thought that it will not grow well. Actually you just need your imagination and passion to start everything up. First, you need to look for vegetables and herbs you often use in the kitchen. 

Picture above from homespothq.com


 A lot of us are not gifted with a green thumb that's why Garden Seed Kits were invented so it can be easily cultivated. Seed kits like pepper, tomatoes, basil, wheat grass and pesto herbs are vegetables you can grow in your kitchen with less effort since it's available online for purchase. It is easy to grow because the seeds will germinate in about 1-4 weeks. 

Seed kits are also great to serve as gifts for mothers and friends who loves to cook. Serving a dish with fresh picked veggies and herbs will be much more appreciated and adds a delightful taste to delicate taste buds. Other garden ideas are edible flowers like Pansies, Nasturtiums and Hawaiian Noni (which has natural nutrients) can add hues to your kitchen and will add a dainty atmosphere to your kitchen. These vegetables doesn't only add taste and aroma but also improves and maintains health due to it's nutritional properties. So instead of buying veggies in the market, why not grow your own kitchen garden?