DIY Planter Challenge: Gorgeous Glass

Summer's nearly here and it's a tight race for competitors in our DIY Planter Challenge. For weeks Facebook fans have been voting for their favorite homemade planter, and everything will come to a head June 30th at 11:59pm. Whose planter will receive the most votes? Only time will tell.

Before you visit our Facebook page to cast your vote, try making your own planter. We've already showed you how to make Karen A.'s printed pipe and William Brown's perfect printer, but what about some gorgeous glass? This lovely creation, submitted by our Digital Marketing Director, Joanne C., looks wonderful and is a snap to make. Add some subtle beauty to your indoor space with a planter like this one. Find out how to make it below!

What you'll need:

• Glass bowl (or any other glass container you want to use for your planter)
• Alcohol inks
• Sponge
• Shellac spray
• White acrylic paint
• Plant (Joanne used a Kalanchoe)
• Potting soil

Directions:

Step 1: Gather your supplies. Remember to put on your rubber gloves and cover any work surfaces you don't want stained as alcohol ink is hard (impossible!) to remove.

Step 2: Holding up the glass bowl, splash one drop of ink at a time and blow it around the glass until the entire surface is covered. Alternate using different colors until you see the desired effect.

Step 3: Let dry for a few hours or overnight.

Step 4: Once the ink is fully dry, spray it with shellac to seal the color. Two or three thin coats of shellac will ensure the ink doesn't rub off.

Step 5: To make sure the ink colors will still be visible when you have dirt and a plant inside your planter, paint the inside with white acrylic paint.

Step 6: Let the acrylic paint dry overnight.

Step 7: Fill with your favorite plant, (Joanne chose a Kalanchoe), and put it in your favorite space.

We adore this beautiful, stained glass inspired planter. Though one of the more complex on our list, you can recreate it at home in just a few simple steps. Love it as much as we do? Make sure to vote for it on Facebook.

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DIY Planter Challenge: Perfect Printer

The DIY Planter Challenge is in full swing and the competition is getting fierce! To help get in the spring spirit and prepare for summer, Marketplace Events team members crafted some fun planters, and now the online voting has begun. Whose planter will receive the most votes and be crowned the winner? It's up to you (and our other Facebook fans) to decide.

Before you visit our Facebook page and vote for your favorite, why not try making your own planter? We've already showed you how to make Karen A.'s printed pipe, but what about William Brown's perfect printer? The Landscape Coordinator for Marketplace Events and owner of William H. Brown Landscape Inc. made this unique piece using an old printer. Here's how you can make one.

What you'll need:

• Printer
• Tinfoil
• Potting mix
• Variety of plants

Directions:

Step 1: Find an old printer and remove its ink cartridges and any other extraneous parts.

Step 2: Using tinfoil, create a tray for some plants in the middle of the printer. Fill it with potting mix.

Step 3: Add more plants of varying height and style to any additional compartments your printer may have to create a lush "printer-scape".

We're big fans of this creative upcylced planter. Not only is it a great way to find new use for that old printer you've been hesitant to throw away, but it's a truly unique and original piece to display in your home or garden. Love it as much as we do? Make sure to vote for it on Facebook.

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DIY Planter Challenge: Printed Pipe

To help put a little spring in all of our employees' steps, we challenged our Marketplace Events team members to a friendly DIY competition. Folks had just over a month to create a cute, original planter. There were no restrictions on size, style, or influence - it just had to be homemade.

Check out the full list of entries on our Facebook page and vote for your favorite. But first, learn how Karen A., Exhibit Sales Consultant for the Birmingham Home + Garden Show, created her fabulous printed pipe planter.

What you'll need:

• PVC sewage elbow
• Grinding disc
• Glue (Karen used Goop)
• Stylish duct tape (Karen used leopard print)

Directions:

Step 1: Start with a trip to your local hardware store to grab supplies. Karen went to Habitat for Humanity and bought a PVC sewage elbow and grinding disc. Total cost for both was $2.

Step 2: Using a sturdy adhesive, (Karen chose Goop), glue the disc to the bottom of the PVC.

Step 3: Cover the PVC in stylish duct tape. Karen used leopard print to give her planter a funky look, but you can use any style.

Step 4: Fill the planter with the plant of your choice. Karen selected an air plant from her property, but any species would look nice.

We love the simplicity of this craft. A few dollars can go a long way when it comes to making planters. What do you think of Karen's creation? If you're a fan, make sure to vote for it in our DIY Planter Challenge. Visit Facebook to cast your vote today!

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DIY Planter Challenge

With spring in full swing and summer just around the corner, we wanted to help our Marketplace Events coworkers add some green to their space. And what better way to do so than with a friendly DIY competition? Employees from every department across the US and Canada were invited to try their hand at making a cute, original planter. There were no restrictions on size, style or influence. Employees were encouraged to be as creative as they could, with just under a month to make their entry.

Here’s where you come in! 

We need our beloved fans to help us choose a winner! Please visit our Facebook page to see all the planters we created and vote for your favorite. Voting will run until June 30, 2016 at 11:59pm. The employee whose entry receives the most votes will win some serious bragging rights and a pizza party for their entire department.

What are you waiting for? Check out the planters we made and vote for the one you think deserves to win. And don't forget to Like Us after you vote. Our Facebook fans get lots of perks - like exclusive show content, fun contests, ticket deals, and more!

Want to learn how to make some of the fabulous planters we've featured? Watch for instructional posts to teach you how to create some of our favorites, including Karen A.'s printed pipe, Joanne C.'s inspired alcohol ink piece, and a playful printer from William Brown of William H. Brown Landscape Inc.

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5 Low Maintenance Houseplants

Green thumbs get out of here! This blog is for all those who, despite their best efforts, have a hard time keeping houseplants alive. It’s never that you intend to kill them, it’s just that for some reason your houseplants always seem to die. Don’t be embarrassed and don’t change a thing - unless you don’t give your plants water, air or sunlight, ‘cause baby, every plant needs those to live. Here are five types of plants that will thrive in (almost) any environment. Pick up a few today and add a little green to your space!

Pothos

Not only do pothos plants not need nutrient rich soil to survive, they don’t even need a lot of bright light – in fact, they don’t do well in direct sunlight. One of the reasons folks love pothos plants so much is that they can survive in low light (perfect for the office) and can be grown in either water or soil.

It’s important to note that this is a poisonous plant. Eating it can cause pets and children to feel very ill.

Spider Plant

Ok, this plant may sound horrifying, but it’s not – trust us! Its name reflects the adorable little pods that sprout out from the mother plant (they look like little spiders dangling from the web). But more importantly, it’s seriously easy to care for. Whenever upkeep advice encourages you to let a plant dry out in between waterings, you know it’s low maintenance. This little guy can take whatever you throw at him, just remember to water him occasionally and he’ll be fine.

Jade

Jade plants are thought to be symbols of good luck, and lucky you, they’re easy to care for too! Jade plants don’t require a lot of water, but they do need some. Don’t water them on a schedule, instead just touch their soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water your plant.

Snake Plant

Like the spider plant, this beauty also has an unfortunate name. But just as you wouldn’t judge a book by its cover, don’t judge a houseplant by its name. Snake plants received their name due to the striking resemblance their leaves have to snake skin. They also grow vertically, which means they’re great for small spaces! You can water them sporadically, and interestingly, they need less water in the winter than any other season.

Fake Plants

People tend to overlook using fake plants in their decor. Yes, some fake plants can look really fake and add an unwanted 1980s feel to your space. But, fake plants can also look really pretty too – especially when displayed in the right way. Succulents are the hottest thing in gardening right now, and fake succulents can look fairly convincing. Try displaying them in a terrarium with a little top soil and some fake moss. They’ll add some green to your space and will never die, because they can’t.

We hope these low maintenance plants help you confidently add some green to your space. Want more gardening tips, tricks, ideas & advice? We’ve got you covered! Follow @HomeShows on Twitter and Instagram, and like Home and Garden Events on Facebook.

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Succulent Style: DIY Planters & More!

Are you looking for a fun way to brighten up your office or home? Consider succulents. These on trend plants continue to grow in popularity and could make a lovely addition to your space. The term succulent can refer to many different species of plant, one of which is cacti. So not only are these plants super cute, most of them are also easy to care for. 

Read on to discover the many ways you can bring succulents into your space. We’ve found cool and creative DIYs you can try to really set these plants up in style. Check ‘em out below and get ready to get crafting.

Pretty in Pink – Layer some bright pink rocks on top of your succulent’s soil and see what happens! We’re loving the way the pink mixes with the soft green, it’s such a great color combination. Not a fan of pink? Try using a different color rock like purple or blue.

Image via Lauren Grant

Playful Pots – Don’t want to rock the boat? Try jazzing up your succulent’s pot instead. How cute is this gold leaf DIY? It’s so easy to do and the end result looks amazing!

Image via Miss Renaissance

Lovely Letters – We adore this fun project. Monogrammed planters are such a clever idea! And once you’ve got your frame together, actually planting the succulents is pretty easy. They’re a great way to add a personal touch to your space!

Image via House & Fig

Subtle Sand – Making your own sand really allows you to get creative when it comes to the colors and textures that will surround your succulents. You can explore vibrant hues or more subtle tones, and even mix colors together!

Image via Glitter and Bubbles

Hanging Out – Lacking surface space? Try stringing your succulents up. These cute ombre pots and the plants inside them will look great in your window!

Image via For The Makers

Stool It – Ok, so this stool can technically be used for anything, but we really like the idea of setting your succulents on top of it. The fun neon accents work well with the lush greens of the plants. It doesn’t take up too much room, and can add a nice pop of color to your space.

Image via The Casual Craftlete

Not everyone has the room or time for a garden, so we hope these succulent ideas help bring a little more green your way regardless of your outdoor space. Make sure to share your succulent snaps with @HomeShows on Instagram and Twitter – we want to see what you create!

Speaking of green, right now you can save some on tickets to the Marketplace Events Home Show of your choice. Connect with us on Facebook to get 2-for-1 tickets. What are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this great deal!

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Container Gardening: 5 Things You Need To Know!

1. Choose the right soil

To create a successful container garden, it is important that the right potting soil is selected.  Avoid choosing a soil that is dense, and opt for a mixture with a good drainage.

2. Drainage

You may have found yourself a beautiful pot/container, but does it have proper drainage?  Particularly with larger pots, sometimes a small hole may not offer enough drainage.  Don't be afraid to add extra drainage to your containers.

3. Find the right friends!

When selecting the plants that you wish to put into your container, make sure you read their information carefully.  This way you can be sure that the entire container can function with the same amount of care (water, sunlight, etc.).

4. Don't forget to trim! 

If  your garden containers start to look a little too extreme, don't be scared to give them a trim.  Prunning your garden regularly will help them remain healthy and beautiful.

5. Mix it up!

While it is important to make sure that all the plants in your container require the same sort of care.  Don't be afraid to mix up the size and shapes of your plants in order to give your container an interesting appeal.  Be sure to include at least one tall plant, and perhaps something that spills over the side.

Do you have any awesome gardening tips to share?

Write them below! We're big fans of sharing :)

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10 Tips for a Perfect Lawn

Get your lawn healthy & keep it that way!

1. Water in the morning or at night in order to keep moisture from evaporating. 

2. Don't rip your grass, keep your lawnmower blade nice and sharp throughout the season.  

3. When grass is cut it loses more water, mow in the evening to keep grass from drying up.

4. Your lawn needs an inch of water a week to stay healthy, measure this by leaving a measuring cup on your lawn when watering.

5. Adjust your lawnmower so that it does not cut too short.  Grass benefits from it's own shade.

6. Ease up on the fertilizer, too much can burn your grass.

7. Make sure you are using the right grass seeds for the right areas, shady spots may require a different blend.

8. Move furniture around.  When your garden furniture is in the same place too long, the grass underneath it dies. 

9. Weed weekly to keep seeds from spreading.

10. Provide your dog with an area that is grass free so he can urinate without staining your lawn.  This requires some dog training skills too! 

Good luck! 

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How Does Your Garden Grow? Straw Bale Gardening with Joel Karsten

Recenlty, Joel Karsten, garden author and horticulturist, visited our Denver Home Show (March 14 - 16). Joel demonstrated the soil-free fruit and vegetable growing technique of Straw Bale Gardening. This method, created and perfected by Karsten, allows gardeners to grow a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables with the advantages of a raised bed garden but without the expense and time commitment.

The Benefits of Straw Bale Gardening:

• All the advantages of a raised bed garden including the raised height, less compaction, easier planting and harvesting – but without the major expense and commitment that a “normal” raised bed garden involves.
• Fresh growing media every spring with a new bale of straw means no lingering insect or disease problems that can accumulate in traditional soil or previously used planting mix.
• Earlier Planting: As new straw decomposes, it releases heat. This emission of heat greatly encourages the growth of young seedlings and transplants as they are establishing in the bales early in the year. This heat also allows much earlier planting into the bale versus the much colder soil, which cannot be planted until later in the season when it finally warms up.
• NO WEEDING, NO WEEDING, NO WEEDING!

The net result of these advantages is simple - Bales brimming with a harvest as diverse as peanuts and cabbage; gangbuster strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, beets, radish, potatoes, and lettuce. Organic practices fit the model perfectly and newbie gardeners are treated to success rather than the small and large failures of traditional veggie gardening. But the kicker according to Karsten is what is not in the straw. “Weeds are like kryptonite for most well-intentioned super gardeners, sometimes swallowing the ambition of a rookie gardener in only a few hot July days.” says Karsten. “Straw Bale gardens are as rewarding and bountiful as they are easy and efficient to grow.” With weeds feeding on hotter summers, wet winters, and higher levels of Co2, thick carpets of rooted weeds are deal-breakers for many not willing to invest the sweat equity. Straw Bale gardens are as extensive as the mind; labor minimal; and can be practiced literally anywhere sunlight and access to water exist. Rooftops, backyard patio, asphalt parking lot, or over an existing patch of lawn… the options are many. 

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Bring the Outdoors In! Liven Up a Space with Greenery

3 Ways to Liven Up a Space with Greenery

Now that the festivities and bright décor of the holiday season have subsided, it’s easy to get caught up in the winter doldrums. At the January Home Show, landscape designer Cynthia Bee of Conservation Garden Park will showcase fun ways to bring in some “green” to liven up your home through the dreary season.

EASY: Air Plants

Air plants (Tillandsia) typically grow suspended from trees in tropical climates. They absorb water and nutrients through the air and require no soil. Using floral glue (non-toxic to plants), adhere the base of the Tillandsia to a suction cup then attach to the walls in your shower or kitchen. Every time you shower, the steam and humidity from the shower will provide the water the plants need. If you place Tillandsia in other rooms in your home, all you need to do is mist them with water a couple of times per week.  In this application, they’re a no-maintenance option that even the blackest of thumbs can appreciate!

MODERATE: String Gardens

String Gardens (also called Kokedama) are great way to incorporate a green focal point in a room, and they’re sure to attract attention! Simply form a ball of clay soil around the root ball, cover with moss, then tie with hemp twine. One string garden is interesting but a collection of various plants is a showpiece! To maintain, simply dunk the root ball in water every few days and allow to “dry” before hanging back up. 

CHALLENGING:  Succulent Monogram Wreaths

Succulent wreaths have been in style for awhile now, but combine it with a monogram initial (another hot trend) and you have a eye-popping showpiece to display in any room in your home.  The initials shown here contain two different types of succulents. The “B” shows some of the great Utah-hardy plant options, which also means the monogram wreath can live outside on your front door year-round. The “M” shows the diversity of non-hardy succulents that will work for interior applications only. Both provide a unique focal point that will surely provide a lift to any space.

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You can find complete tutorials, plant lists, and resource guides for all projects listed above on the Jordan Valley Home & Garden Club blog, club.conservationgardenpark.org. Also, be sure to catch Cynthia Bee on the Design Stage on Friday, January 10 at 3 p.m., Saturday, January 11 at 11 a.m., and Sunday, January 12 at 2 p.m.

FOR 2-FOR-1 TICKETS TO THE SHOW CLICK HERE!

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10 Simple Garden DIYs

What's trending right now? DIY crafts for your outdoor space!  I've gathered some of my favourites to inspire you to get crafty and creative outdoors.   Enjoy!

10 Garden DIYs

Vertical Garden Tower, Tutorial: Million Moments

SO SIMPLE! Make a ribbon calendar for your garden seed packets. Tutorial: Better Homes & Gardens

Painted Garden Rocks (Use for Decor or Labels), Tutorial: Sometimes-Homemade

Garden Tower, Tutorial: Chase The Star

How Simple! A Skateboard Swing via Blog.MakeZine.com

Stacked Entryway Garden Feature, Tutorial: Home Jelly

Upcycled Pallet Wall Planter, Tutorial: BeersnBeans

Teacup Bird Feeder, Tutorial: Intimate Weddings

Neon Corner Planter, Tutorial: ModernlyWed

Floating Centerpiece, Tutorial: BHG.com

So, which outdoor DIY will you be working on this weekend?

Let us know on Facebook @ Home and Garden Events

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