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12 Gifts for Green Thumbs
Use your imagination — or borrow some here — to turn a potted plant into an even more special gift
My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison, Wisconsin. When I'm not working, I like to do projects around my house, get out in my solo canoe or go camping, read design and psychology blogs and work on mixed media art.
My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison,... More »
Over the past week or so, I've been trying to convince my husband that, instead of buying a Christmas tree that will only be admired for a few short weeks, we should spend our $50 on a huge jade plant we can enjoy for years to come. Don't get me wrong, I do think it's fun to bundle up and venture off to a tree farm in the country. Walking the acres upon acres with a big gangly saw at the ready reminds me of family trips to the farm. But when it comes down to it, I just want a plant that will stick around.
I have not yet succeeded in my pursuit of a tree-less Christmas, so I've moved my energy toward other ideas within the same realm. I have lots of horticulture-loving friends who would be absolutely smitten with a new plant, but just handing one over from the store seems kind of dull. With that in mind, here are fun gifts for your plant-loving friends.
More: 50 Gifts Under $50
I have not yet succeeded in my pursuit of a tree-less Christmas, so I've moved my energy toward other ideas within the same realm. I have lots of horticulture-loving friends who would be absolutely smitten with a new plant, but just handing one over from the store seems kind of dull. With that in mind, here are fun gifts for your plant-loving friends.
More: 50 Gifts Under $50
by Pottery Barn
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My guess is that if your friends enjoy interior design, architecture or decorating in general, they will be skipping around on cloud nine if you give them a terrarium filled with plants. Some common terrarium plantings include baby's tears, Scottish moss, button ferns and creeping fig.
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This clever and cool wall hanging was made by my longtime online friend, Renee Garner. She used an old soda crate along with a few other simple materials to house a variety of succulents.
You can see the complete DIY over at Modish.
You can see the complete DIY over at Modish.
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| I picked up this candle holder for a few bucks a couple of years ago and paired it with a cutting from my huge spider plant. I created a sack with two layers of plastic wrap to keep the soil from falling out of the holes. The candle holder can be used for its intended purpose once the plant outgrows it. |
by Pottery Barn
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With a small piece of burlap and a short length of ribbon, you can make the plant you're giving look rustic and festive.
This particular plant is a rabbit foot fern, which gets its name from the roots that begin to grow out from the top of the pot and resemble rabbit feet. Many ferns require higher levels of humidity, but this one can generally get away with whatever range falls within the house. This fern thrives in moist soil and needs to be watered almost daily.
This particular plant is a rabbit foot fern, which gets its name from the roots that begin to grow out from the top of the pot and resemble rabbit feet. Many ferns require higher levels of humidity, but this one can generally get away with whatever range falls within the house. This fern thrives in moist soil and needs to be watered almost daily.
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I've had this rubber tree for about a year now. I think I paid about $3 for it. The clay planter is from IKEA. I wrapped a belt that I got from Fossil around the pot and called it a day. I like the idea of incorporating another gift with the plant.
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Pulling from the same idea of wrapping the planter with a belt, I took a couple of scarves and slung them around a pot from IKEA that holds an umbrella tree.
Tip: If you are doing something similar, you may want to use a couple of pieces of folded duct tape to keep the scarves from sliding down.
Tip: If you are doing something similar, you may want to use a couple of pieces of folded duct tape to keep the scarves from sliding down.
by RedEnvelope
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These blown-glass ornaments filled with a few pebbles and an air plant add a spot of whimsy to any space. Displayed in clusters or on their own, these seem easy enough to make in large quantities and are ready for giving right away. You can get ordinary glass ornaments at craft stores along with the pebbles a few aisles away, or you can purchase a set of ornaments with holes in them from CB2. A quick stop at your local nursery can provide you with plants, and a batch can be made up in about an hour. I'm guessing that each one would cost anywhere from $6 to $10 total.
Tip: If you get plain glass ornaments, be sure to get smaller air plants to fit into the hole at the top and use a skewer to nudge things into place.
Tip: If you get plain glass ornaments, be sure to get smaller air plants to fit into the hole at the top and use a skewer to nudge things into place.
by Splendid Willow
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This phalaenopsis orchid looks so pretty on its own that it doesn't need accessories. There's a common misconception that orchids are difficult to care for, but they are really quite easy to keep alive.
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I've always been under the impression that every fun girl can appreciate a fungi, and these are particularly charming. OK, sorry for that terrible pun, but a few of these mushrooms grouped into a small huddle at the base of a plant are cheery and unexpected.
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These tiny wooden garden pots resemble miniature wine barrel planters, and would look great lined up on the windowsill or corralled in a tray on the dining room table. I think they're perfect to give along with a packet of seeds and a small bag of soil.
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Traditionally, garden cloches are used outdoors to protect small plants from the harsh winter frost, but I like the idea of seeing one of these centered on a dining room table.
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by timberpress.com
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| Consider buying this paperback for your nearest and dearest green-thumbed pal. I skimmed through it and enjoyed the beautiful photos alongside ideas for creating these magical worlds. More: Amazing Air Plants for Wall or Tree 50 Gifts Under $50 |
Comments
Bright Bold and Beautiful Orchids are the best, and make special gifts! How to care for your orchid: http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/2010/08/bright-ideas-how-to-care-for-orchid.html 
17 months ago · Like
Carol Good ideas. Thanks
17 months ago · Like
jlwms123 Love the belt idea!
17 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Dec. 15, 2011.
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