Balcony Garden for Christmas Kate 2:12 AM

My beautiful friend has announced that for Christmas he's going to build me a balcony garden. Or at least, this is our holiday project we will work on together. I am now hastily pulling out all the Seeds2Freedom seeds I bought last year before I moved house, and am scouring the web for ways to create self-watering pots (so I don't leave marks on my rented balcony, and because they are suited to our water-sucking Brisbane environment).

And I've found some beauties, which I've gathered for you here...

This woman has worked out her own self-watering pot for desert climates (so it has a large reservoir capable of storing more water) out of a storage container and some large water bottles...it's idiot proof! The thing I like about this is that it is using mostly recycled stuff, which won't necessarily last forever but will be readily available in recycle bins!

This one's kind of cool, the 'Phytopod' made in Oakland in the US. They make the Phytopod out of burlap bags. The watering system is made out of recycled rubber. Unfortunately he doesn't reveal how the watering system works - fair enough, the guy has to make a living...but Oakland is a little far for me to ship a garden...particularly when I am trying to live more locally.

This one blows my mind for the sheer awesomeness of design. It's a very aesthetically pleasing hydroponic system. Looks like it would work curled around a staircase balustrade...If I had a more permanent residence, I think I'd be keen to try this one if only for herbs and lettuces.

I love this guy's idea of using those restaurant sized mayo and olive containers to plant in. This allows for a deep root system for plants that need it, and underground plants like potatoes and carrots etc.

Brainstorm time!

Have a safe and happy and green holiday, all!

Snail 3:43 AM

I have loved gardens for a very, very long time. When I was six my bestest friend in the whole wide world was a palm tree named George. Whilst George and I are no longer in contact, he often helps me remember that sometimes our natural surroundings can prove even more valuable and comforting companions than our fellow human beings. Perhaps it is not wise of me to disclose the fact that my closest friend was once a tree, but I wanted to let our readers know how much I love things green and organic.

However, despite my love of nature, I have never found myself in a position where I can start to grow my own garden...until now (hooray!!!). My aim in writing this blog is to share what I am learning about my own gardening experiences, and learn from those who are willing to share with me (please don't be shy about leaving comments and advice!!!). I plan to do this in a way that is easy to understand, and might even give helpful hints to people like me who are starting out for the very first time...

Love, Snails