A Little Me Time and a Terrarium

Hubs is out at a hockey game tonight with his brother and nephews, so I thought I'd spend a bit of my solitary quiet time tonight by monkeying around with some plants and dirt.

Several years ago I was given a huge...vase?...container?...thing...?? as a birthday gift. I've always loved the look of it, but quite honestly I've never really known what to do with it. I have two children ages 2 and 10 months. Clearly, putting anything glass within hand/body level is...umm...dumb. So I got to thinkin'! Maybe it would make a nice terrarium of sorts....

Here are all the supplies laid out all nicely, just to look like I'm all soo organized and everything. You didn't hear it from me, but I'm all soo not.

I picked up three little plants from Home Depot for about $2.49 each and even tried to make sure they were plants that were more or less tolerant of less-than-perfect conditions. Don't ask me what they are, I haven't got a clue. They're pretty and of varying heights and that's all I care about!

First step: wash that container!! I was sorely tempted to skip this step because a). I don't enjoy washing dishes or anything else and b). I was feeling a wee bit lazy. BUT I knew if I didn't wash and carefully dry it before starting...the dust and dirt on there would drive me completely badonkers later when it would be impossible to clean. (yes, badonkers is a word)

Next step: pour in some rocks. I had a couple packages of various sizes of river rocks laying around, so I used them up. That's the great thing about moving...you find all kinds of things you didn't know you had!

Next add some dirt! Yup, those are my shapely (cough!) legs in the very clean reflection!

Now add those plants. Make sure there's enough dirt in there to adequately cover all the roots. I had to add more after each plant. Throw in some more river rocks if you have any extra laying around.

Oooh! Me likey!

Here's a friendly tip...when you water those plants, use a measuring cup or something that will fit down into the container and water close to the dirt. I learned the hard way. If you water up high the dirt splashes up the sides and it's stinkin' hard to get looking nice and clean again!

Better put that up high where little fingers and wiggly bodies can't get at it!

And those stacking...brown...things...? They found a new home.

I know, I know. The Nester would be horrified by my ivy plant decorating the upper cabinets. But it's okay - I like it and it's my house! And besides, I don't know where else to put it...