Genius comes in many forms and the latest is in the form of a hanging fruit basket combined with an herb garden.  From the kitchen section of Apartment Therapy,

This design concept from Måns Salomonsen is not just good-looking — it’s very clever, too. The herb garden on top absorbs excess moisture from the fruit, and then as it this moisture evaporates it cools the area below — helping the fruit stay fresh longer.

Brilliant!

The first time I saw the watering bulbs on tv, I was smitten.  I fell head over heels in love with everything about them - they were pretty AND they watered plants in a timely manner.  I’m not too bad with plants.  In fact I have one that is about 30 years old that I’ve managed to keep alive with regular water and an occasional dose of plant food.

Sadly my husband has been resistent in buying me one.  It’s one of those things I’d never buy myself, so I keep hinting around.  To no avail.  I think I’m going to have to turn up the heat, though, because a friend of mine just told me how wonderful her watering bulbs are.   PLUS, the Gardening Resources web site even suggests them kind of,

All indoor plants will need water and a watering device is essential. There is the simple watering can to something even more elaborate depending on what you need. You can choose from the expensive glass bulbs to stick into the soil of the house plants to something simple like adding a plastic water bottle to a stake inside the pot or container.

Hellooo husband.  I want them!!

I love the bright red of the poinsettias that we see this time of year.  For years I ordered them as a school fundraiser, but as my daughters got older and left elementary school, I couldn’t bring myself to buy them from the grocery store, though the prices are decent.

Plus, they started taking over my house.  I just couldn’t bear the idea of throwing the plant out after Christmas - the green leaves stayed pretty throughout the year.  I finally sucked it up, put on my big girl britches, and got rid of them.  And it broke my heart seeing the green plants out by the trash can in the cold weather.

According to our Ron - writing over at PopFi - the poinsettia is the most popular plant in America.

The poinsettia is actually the most popular potted plant in the States, with over 85 percent of its sales coming in the holiday season.  This notoriously difficult to farm plant was made popular by Paul Ecke in the 1950’s, and the Paul Ecke farms produce half the world’s supply of poinsettias from a proprietary technique kept secret by the family until the 90’s.

Come to find out, you CAN replant them.  Next time I won’t have to be so heartless…

Now, here’s a bright idea! I’ve gotten in the habit of checking the plants in my kitchen window whenever I’m doing dishes. But what if the actual act of drying dishes could water the plants? How much time would that save?

That’s the idea behind erdemselek’s plant-watering dishrack. It’s only in the design stages right now, but when it comes out in stores, I definitely could see buying one, if the price was right. What do you think?

HT: CasaSugar

Simple beauty makes this wrought iron plant
stand one of our favorites. With slender, curving supports, this stand
boasts four shelves, allowing you to display multiple plants to their
advantage. Perfect for an entryway corner, this stand would also
provide a breath of fresh air to a hallway or dining area. Finished
with a powder-coating to provide rust-resistance.

Dimensions:

$119.99
List Price: $179.98
You Save: $59.99 (33%)

If you have limited indoor gardening space, you may want to consider a terraium. Take at look at this one over at Shak in Style.

A terrarium is a transparent glass or plastic
container you add the soil and the plant. The top of the terrarium can be opened or closed. There is a wide variety of containers that you can use to create your terrarium.

A terrarium is a clear-sided container that has no drain holes and usually has a clear top. When a terrarium is
properly planted and located, it can be a source of enjoyment for
years, providing an interesting way to grow and display many plants
with relatively little care.
 

Almost any type of clear glass or plastic
container can be used for a terrarium: fish bowl, fish tank, glass jar,
jug or bottle. There are containers made especially for terrariums. The
container must be clear, however, as tinted or cloudy glass reduces
light and interferes with plant growth.

I’ve been looking for some window boxes, and I think I’ve found the one I want. These self-watering ones from WindowBox.com fit the bill perfectly.

They have a special fabric wicking system that delivers water to the roots of your plants in a steady manner. There’s a water gauge, so you never end up over watering.

WindowBox.com is a fun site- they have all kinds of gifts for the sassy gardener and the Black Thumb Society is definitely what I need for indoor plants. Go check ‘em out!

Along the lines of a modern European look in your garden is this pot that is made to resemble the Roman Colosseum in Italy…..

"Reminiscent of the ancient ruins of Rome, the
commanding appearance of this planter will add notable presence to your
home or garden. Filled with your favorite blooming or foliage plants,
this elegant planter will perk up a "ho-hum" corner of your garden.
This artistically detailed resin sculpture can also be used as a table
centerpiece on your patio or porch."

The bloggers over at the Green Head even suggest using it for nut or candy bowl. You could fill it with Leaning Tower of Pisa Gummy Bears.

via cribcandy

Sarah, at Modern Roost found these really cool stackable planters that can be lined up to achieve the look of a modern railing that you might find on a European side street or used as individual planters.

Sarah notes that although they look like aged terracotta they are actually made from a terracotta-esque composite and extremely light weight, about 15.4 lbs. That is nice, especially if you decide to stack them for the look of a sculpture or stunning modular design.

The Tuttisuperterra Planter by Marco Ferreri is available here and costs about $295.

The Outdoor Garden is now open at Jayson Home and Garden. Their containers, pots and accents are all available in their online store. They can help you find the perfect plant for home and office year round and now that Spring is here they will help you create an urban oasis with their selections of trees, shrubs and grasses.

If you are able, you definitely should make your way into their store as they will plant any container on site whether it’s one of theirs or you bring in your own. Evidently, they understand the fact that not everyone has a green thumb. (that would be me) Delivery is available so if you want these services but don’t live in the Chicago area just give them a call, they’ll answer all your planting and gardening questions. Their selections vary throughout the year so stop by or give them a call and get your shak’s yard in shape.