Super Cheap Succulent Cuttings

Photo: JIIMZ's 36 Mixed Succulent Spring Collection

If you cannot take free cuttings from people you know, you can still get affordable cuttings shipped directly to you.  JIIMZ are selling 36 mixed succulents for $28.95!  With shipping, it breaks down to $1.18 per succulent.

This seller has a 4.9/5.0 rating for the past 12 months, and a lifetime rating of 95% positive; 5% neutral; and 0% negative.

JIIMZ's other collections:

9 miscellaneous Sempervivum Hens n' Chicks in 2" Pots ($9.95)

36 Cactus Collection with miscellaneous Cacti in 2" Pots ($29.95)

20 miscellaneous Spring Collection in 4" Pots ($58.00)

Hanging Succulent Baskets

I saw these moss covered hanging baskets filled with an assortment of succulents at Home Depot.  I love that you can hang these planters on the walls.  You can bring plant life to your apartment or home without using up any precious outdoor floor space.

Our local Home Depot are selling them for $29.98 each.  This price is hard to beat if you had to purchase each component separately (i.e., individual plants, soil, moss, twine, and basket).  You could create a similar piece by filling a coco fiber lined wall basket planter or hanging basket planter with artfully arranged assortment of succulents. 

Tips:

Prior to filling the basket, attach the moss to the basket exterior with twine or omit it all together if you prefer the look of coco fiber.

If you choose a deep basket, consider filling the bottom half of the basket with clay balls, ping pong balls or some other light, airy material.  Most succulents have shallow root systems, and this will prevent the basket from becoming to heavy.

Whether you are hanging your basket on the wall or from the ceiling, make sure that it is secured to the stud(s) instead of drywall.  

Supermoon 2011

Tonight's full moon will be a supermoon.  A supermoon is a new or full moon that happens to be closest to Earth in its orbit.  It will be the biggest full moon in 18 years!  The supermoon is supposed to arrive at its closest point to Earth in 2011 on Saturday, March 19 at 3 PM Eastern Time.  Full Article

EcoSphere Pods

Photo: A couple of my live shrimp resting on coral

I recently received a really unique and wonderful gift and I had to share it with you.  This clear glass container holds a self-sustaining, mini-ecosystem with live miniature shrimp.  Only light is needed to keep their world in a perfect plant-and-animal balance: algae and bacteria are eaten by the shrimp whose waste supports their regeneration.  It is the perfect addition to my desk and a nice stress reliever!

Photo: Round EcoSphere (left); Pod EcoSphere (right)

If you would like an EcoSphere Pod, you can find them on Amazon or at Wind and Weather.  They have them available in different shapes and sizes with prices that range from $59.95 to $149.95.  Wind and Weather's site says to allow 1-2 weeks for delivery, and that a delivery signature is required.

DIY Blooming Gifts Under $25

I have seen potted bulbs in flower catalogs sell from $60 to $90.  Even inexpensive, hardy bulbs like daffodils have been sold for hefty prices.  You can easily create such a gift by potting some bulbs in a planter of your choice.

I chose to plant some daffodils in a light weight and inexpensive 10" golden yellow fiberglass pot.  The blooming daffodils were about $3 per pack at Home Depot.  I planted a bunch closely together to get a more dramatic, rich effect.     

Double Duty Wall-Mount Jewelry Armoire

1.  Wall-Mount Photo Frame/Jewelry Armoire

Worthington Antique Walnut Photo Collage

Sick of the clutter on my dresser, I decided to chuck my eclectic collection of jewelry boxes and opt for a jewelry armoire.  I chose a wall-mount jewelry armoire that doubles as a photo frame, and I am very happy with my choice.  By utilizing my wall space, I freed up space on top of my dresser.  My jewelry is still organized, easily accessible, and neatly tucked away.

 

2.  Wall-Mount Mirror/Jewelry Armoire

SEI Wall-Mount Jewelry Armoire with Mirror, Walnut

I have a friend who has a wall-mount mirror/jewelry armoire.  She loves it.  Her wall-mount armoire stores all of her jewelry, and she can easily try on her accessories in front of the mirror.

3.  Wall-Mount Photo Frame/Mirror/Jewelry Armoire

Wall Mounted Jewelry Armoire with Photo Frame in Antique Black

Here is a wall-mount jewelry armoire that combines both photo frame and mirror. 

          

Kombucha Tea

I normally do not like green tea, but I try to drink it for its many purported health benefits (e.g., cancer-fighting properties, weight-loss aid, lowers cholesterol levels, combats mental fatigue, etc.).  My favorite green tea is Yogi's Green Tea Kombucha.  Today I was surprised to learn kombucha is a Manchurian "mushroom."  Who knew "mushrooms" could be yummy?

Kombucha is actually a combination of different elements, which include lichen, bacteria, and yeast.    The mushroom itself is not eaten.  Rather, a tea is made by fermenting the mushroom for about a week in a mixture of water, sugar and green or black tea, with apple cider vinegar or a bit of previously made tea added.  The mushroom can be kept in that mixture to reproduce "daughter mushrooms."   These daughter mushrooms can be used to produce more tea.  

Kombucha is believed to be a natural energy booster and detoxifier that may also help slow or reverse the aging process and may help fight serious diseases like AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis.  

I am happy with my Yogi Green Tea Kombucha, but for those of you who want to try brewing kombucha at home, you might want to check out the following: 

Kombucha Brooklyn sells Kombucha Home Brew Kits.   

Betsy Pryor, "Kombucha Phenomenon: The Miracle Health Tea: How to Safely Make and Use Kombucha"

Yogi Echinacea Immune Support

Yogi's Echinacea Immune Support tea is my new favorite tea!  It is so delicious that I do not need to add honey or lemon to it.  I brew a cup as soon as I feel a cold coming on, but it is so yummy I drink it all the time.  Safeway and Target carry this brand.  If you have a hard time finding them or want to save money, you can purchase them online.  

Yogi has other great teas.  Among my favorite for the cold season are Yogi Throat Comfort Tea, Yogi Ginger, and Yogi Lemon Ginger.  Yogi also offers a Cold Season Tea Sampler Pack.

Last time I checked, it cost $5.79 for a box of 16 tea bags at Safeway ($0.36/tea bag).  I have seen them on sale for $1 or $2 off the regular price.  You can get even greater savings by buying them in bulk  online at $15.82 for a pack of 6 boxes and enjoy more than 50% in savings ($0.16/tea bag).

Price Break Down (Per Tea Bag)
        Regular Price:  $0.36
                 On Sale:  $0.24 - 0.30
      In Bulk Online:  $0.16*

*Free Shipping on orders over $25

Tips to Maximize Savings on Online Garden Orders

1. Use Cash Back Sites.  Use online cash back sites.  I use EBATES.  Before making a purchase I see if the retailer is listed at their site.  If it is, I click on their link that re-directs me to the retailer.  By clicking on the link, I receive a certain percentage off my purchase.  These extra few seconds can make a big difference.  I joined EBATES in 2009, and since then I have received $974.23 cash back.    It is FREE to join EBATES.  To join today click here.  
2. Use Coupon Codes.  Performing a simple google search for coupon codes can result in great savings.  For example, I googled "Michigan Bulb coupon codes" and found a coupon code that ended up saving me nearly 50% off my purchase.  EBATES also lists available coupon codes under retailer links.         
3. Combine Cash Back Sites with Coupon Codes. 
4. Use Price Comparison Tools.  For pricey items, use Froogle (i.e., a google product search) to compare prices from various vendors.  Froogle allows you to sort your results by price (including shipping and tax) and also by vendors.
5. Split the Costs with a Friend.  Garden catalogs offer a great selection of unique, hard-to-find plants.  However, shipping prices or minimum quantity requirements can make these purchases less attractive for cost-conscious apartment gardeners.  To save on costs, combine orders with a fellow apartment gardener, family member or friend.  
6. Take Advantage of Guarantees.  Michigan Bulb, Co. offers its customers a life-time guarantee on their plants.  "Any item that does not grow and flourish to your complete satisfaction will be replaced free--with no time limit--for as long as you garden."  For novice gardeners who have not developed their green thumb yet, this life-time guarantee is a nice comfort.      

Continue to use these tips on all your online orders to maximize your overall savings!

If you have any more online saving tips, please feel free to post them in the comment section. 

Starting the New Year: $20 or $40 off Michigan Bulb Coupon Code

Garden catalogs are pouring in, and I am excited for another year of gardening.  This year I want to focus on my flower garden, and Michigan Bulb, Co. offered a good selection of beautiful flowers at a great deal.  See coupon codes below.

I have ordered:

• Sorbet Peony
• Green Envy Coneflower   
• Patty's Plum Poppy
• Rainbow Lewisia Mix
• Mixed Dutch Iris
• Crocosmia "Emily McKenzie"
• Twinkle Toes
• Passion Mixed Begonia
• Double Tuberose
• Hardy Orchid Mix
• Tea Cup Plant
• Banana Cream Daisy
• Hardy Mixed Carnations

Michigan Bulb, Co. Coupon Codes:

1. Get $20 off $40 purchase with coupon code 0817581 Exp. 2/11
2. Get $40 off $80 purchase with coupon code 0817588 Exp. 2/21

Four Things to Consider Before Planting a Balcony Garden

This article from Urban Sustainable Living discusses four things to consider before planting a garden on your balcony.  Specifically it talks about getting permission from your landlord, balcony weight limits, neighborly consideration when watering plants, and pollination issues.
For the full article, click here.