Thursday, August 26, 2010

Repurpose: Altoid Tin Pocket Garden


This tiny bit of green can be carried around in your pocket or your purse. Anywhere, really. 

This time of year, succulents are going crazy producing babies, so I used some little Hen and Chick seedlings to make this pocket garden in an Altoid tin.


Here's how to make it:

#1: Collect seedlings. I had to go back out twice to get more, so collect more than you think you are going to need.

#2: Fill the tin half-way up with moist (not wet) soil. Eventually, your tin will start to rust, so you may wish to line the bottom half with some plastic wrap before you put in the soil

#3: Carefully pinch off most of the "stem" of each seedling before you press it into the soil. Work in a random pattern rather than rows.

#4: Water your pocket garden by misting it with a squirt bottle and remember to open it up and set it in direct sunlight when you aren't carrying it around.   

Other interesting Altoid Tin Gardens:
Zen Garden
Dried Moss Garden
Buddha Garden

   

 

15 comments:

  1. Carrying a little garden in your pocket?? Cutest thing I've ever heard of.

    ReplyDelete
  2. oh, i do love the idea of a pocket full of tiny plants. that might be good for someone with a stressful job.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks, JB!

    Rachel: Yes, I like the idea of surreptitiously taking a peak at plants in one's desk drawer when things get too stressful.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love your little garden .i have the tin,it'll be hard to find succulents near Paris (France)Y.S

    ReplyDelete
  5. Busir: Thank you! I think some sort of moss might work, too, depending on the depth of the roots.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is gorgeous! Might I use your second picture on my blog? I'd love to pair it with the quote, "A book is like a garden carried in the pocket."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the quote and It amplifies the usefulness and beauty of the pocket garden.

      Delete
  7. Caroline: You are welcome to repost pictures. I like the quoute.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I don't what it is about this idea that is so intriguing. Kind of like your own little secret bit of paradise.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Absolutely irresistable! Today I found an perfectly formed deep orange snapdragon in a window box flower bed. Amazing how much such a tiny living thing can lift you in times of overworking in the overwhelm! My boys would LOVE this miniature garden - I am always emptying stones and garden collectables from their pockets! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am blown away by your creative ideas using re purposed household items. I have all sorts of items I have similar ideas for and am not sure how to pull them off so your tips and ideas have helped spark my creativity. You are incredibly talented keep up the amazing work! On a side note: I feel God speaks to us through those amazing things (snapdragon from above comment) when we need it most, or if we pay attention. It is a way He gives us peace and a glimpse of Him for comfort or hope.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Where do you purchase the seedlings?

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is so cute and creative!
    I love to try this.
    May I know what is the name of this plant.
    I am staying in Singapore - a very humid and tropical country.
    Do you think it is suitable for this weather condition?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hui Yin Yap: I think this would work very well in a humid condition. Just be sure not to water it too often.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.