A Growing Insole

My mother's favorite thing was shoes. She was a sweet, kind woman who never complained and really never asked for anything. But when she had the opportunity - she loved new shoes. My father on the other hand did not really care for shoes all that much, but was a die-hard gardener. Put them together and you get a wonderfully whimsical shoe planter!

Garden Walk Garden Talk had a fun photo of a shoe planted with sempervivums...

All of Donna's pictures are beautiful.  This one adds a touch of whimsy!

...in her last post In the Greenhouse with GWGT. 

There is another blog called Shoe Planter Crafts that is dedicated to gardeners on a budget - what fun!

How to Make Shoe Planters from Children's Shoes

And Shoe Metro has Weird Shoe Wednesdays...



Blackberry Creek Home Arts has some wonderful pictures of unusual planters...

Including this boot bragging these beautiful pansies.

So, next time you are about to recycle those Reeboks or shed your Skechers - just remember, they could provide a humorous habitation for some grateful greenery.  (It gives a whole new meaning to Nunn Bush!)

Get your hands dirty!

Grow Herbs Indoors

Are you already dreading the doldrums of winter? Most home gardeners mourn the impending winter. Recalling last winter’s long stretch of cold, miserable days spent glaring out the window at a bleak, snow covered garden. Burying your head in garden magazines and catalogs will be as close as you get to nature. It is the end of a growing season.



Or, is it…


Why not bring some nature inside with you? Put your green thumb to the test and try some indoor gardening! Many herbs can be successfully grown indoors. Herbs like summer just like us – many, if not all, actually die in the cold of winter. But, they are easily fooled into believing that summer is ongoing!


Thyme, Parsley, Oregano, Chives, Coriander, Dill, Mint, Rosemary… All of these herbs are tried and true. Almost all of these can be started from seed.  Think how easy it is to dig a small portion from your existing chives and planting it in a pot. Bring it indoors and place it on a sunny windowsill and Shazzaammm – you’re gardening indoors!


A little skeptical about your expertise? What have you got to lose?!  If you never try anything you will never grow – and what’s more important to a gardener than growing? And, you will be surprised how easy many of the herbs are – heck, if I can do it anyone can!


A few tips to get you started:


1. Try to keep your plants in temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees.


2. Feed and water established plants with soluble plant food every 2-4 weeks.


3. Don’t water until the soil surface is dry.


4. A small fan will help herbs survive the stuffy air conditions in your house.


5. Treat them more or less as you would a normal house-plant.


Once again, some experts would tell you that you need to add some additional light source if you want them to grow; or that only a South-facing window will provide enough light. To those experts I say – “Phooey!”  Be your own expert!  Learn for yourself what works and what doesn’t. If you want to add some artificial lighting – go for it, but you don’t have to! Hey, you might even want to try some Hydroponics! Do what makes you happy.


So, say good-bye to the doldrums and boredom this winter and spice up your windowsills with your favorite herbs. Oh, and one bonus I forgot to mention – nothing beats fresh herbs in your cooking! Stop by A Culinary Shift to try some fun recipes using your delicious, fresh herbs!


Get your hands dirty!