Don't throw that container away just yet.

[jackb]

The afternoon was spent repotting orchids in preparation for winter. Whenever possible I use containers salvaged from the recycle bin. Let's face it, orchids, when not in bloom, are not very attractive plants, so why spend a lot of money on attractive growing containers? Also, most of my orchids are epiphytes and do best if the roots are exposed to air, so used berry containers provide an ideal environment. To use food containers that do not have vents in the sides, I simply use a cutting bit and make my own vents.

When in bloom, the entire container can be placed in a display pot held in place by sphagnum moss. At that point, I bring them indoors to enjoy the flowers. The two plants in the lower photo have been cross-pollinated and I am looking forward to seeing the results, but that is a few years down the road.

 

[baymule]

Beautiful. I admire your dedication, patience and love for what you do.

 

[Nyboy]

There is a man on my street who sells tomato starts on a card table at the end of his driveway. His family must like turkey hill ice cream and activia yogurt

 

[jackb]

There is a man on my street who sells tomato starts on a card table at the end of his driveway. His family must like turkey hill ice cream and activia yogurt

Martha Stewart would be aghast if she saw my containers, but a simple Mason Jar makes an attractive container for hydroponic basil.

 

[Nyboy]

Jack Martha is very in to recycling she would love your Mason jar. She might decorate it a little with paint, bows and ribbon. When she lived in Westport she would always be sighted at local yard sales. She is a master at repurchase objects. She once did a photo shoot of flower arrangements in shot glass. Now i keep my eye out for any unusual shot glass at sales

 

[ninnymary]

Jack, are the red and yellow containers berry baskets? Or did you cut the vents on those? They sure don't look like plastic, look more like ceramic.

Mary

 

[jackb]

Jack, are the red and yellow containers berry baskets? Or did you cut the vents on those? They sure don't look like plastic, look more like ceramic.

Mary

Mary, they are plastic berry baskets that Theresa had in the basement. They originally were inserts for containers meant to store berries in the refrigerator. Theresa uses the containers but has never used the inserts. She asked me if I could use them before they went into the recycle container. She is always on the lookout for containers for my plants.

P.S. Ava made the turtle in the other photo. It has a mixer painted on the shell with: "Gay Gay's Kitchen Is the Best Kitchen!"

 

[ninnymary]

Mary, they are plastic berry baskets that Theresa had in the basement.

Well they sure are prettier than ours over here. Is the plastic very durable? Ours are so thin that I have to double them in order to put crayons in it.

Mary

 

[jackb]

Well they sure are prettier than ours over here. Is the plastic very durable? Ours are so thin that I have to double them in order to put crayons in it.

Mary

The plastic is really heavy or I would not have used it. See the addition to the post above.

 

[ninnymary]

I missed seeing the turtle the first time! lol

Mary