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Don’t waste eggshells!

Here are five ways to use eggshells in your garden this gardening season….

As a natural fertilizer: Crushed eggshells are a great source of calcium, which is essential for healthy plant growth. Simply crush the eggshells into small pieces and sprinkle them around the base of your plants to provide a slow-release source of calcium.
Pest control: Sprinkling crushed eggshells around the base of your plants can also deter pests like slugs, snails, and cutworms. The sharp edges of the eggshells will irritate the soft bodies of these pests and keep them away from your plants.
Seed starters: You can also use eggshells as a natural container for starting seeds. Simply crack the top off the egg, empty the contents, and rinse out the eggshell. Then, fill the eggshell with soil and plant your seed inside. Once the seed has germinated, you can transplant the entire eggshell into your garden.
Composting: Eggshells are also a great addition to your compost pile. They break down quickly and add valuable calcium and other minerals to your compost.
Soil amendment: Crushed eggshells can also be added directly to your garden soil to improve drainage and provide calcium and other nutrients to your plants. Simply mix the crushed eggshells into the top layer of soil around your plants.

Propagating Lavender from cuttings

Propagating lavender from cuttings is a popular and effective way to create new plants. Here are the steps to do so:

Choose a healthy lavender plant: Look for a plant that is healthy and free from disease or pests. Select a stem that is new growth, but not too soft, and has no flower buds.

Prepare the cutting: Cut a 4-6 inch stem from the plant just below a node (the point where a leaf meets the stem). Strip off the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem. Apply rooting hormone: Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder or gel. This will help the cutting develop roots faster.Plant the cutting: Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and create a hole in the center. Insert the stem cutting into the hole and firm the soil around it.

Water the cutting: Water the cutting gently but thoroughly, and place the pot in a bright, warm location but out of direct sunlight. Monitor the cutting: Keep the soil evenly moist and mist the cutting with water daily to maintain high humidity around the cutting. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to develop new growth and roots. Transplant the cutting: Once the cutting has developed roots, it is ready to be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground outdoors.

With proper care, your lavender cutting should grow into a healthy new plant that will provide you with fragrant flowers and leaves for years to come.

Maximalist

A maximalist is a person who embraces an excessive, opulent style and applies it to their home decor. The maximalist aesthetic is characterized by an abundance of patterns, textures, colors, and ornamentation.

So how to decorate your home as a maximalist, consider the following tips:

Embrace bold colors: Use a wide range of bright and bold colors, and don’t be afraid to mix and match.
Mix and match patterns: Combine different patterns, such as florals, stripes, and geometrics, in the same room for a bold look.
Layer textures: Use different textures, such as velvet, silk, and fur, to add depth and interest to your spaces.
Add statement pieces: Invest in eye-catching furniture, lighting fixtures, and accessories, such as chandeliers, ornate mirrors, and statement artwork.
Don’t be afraid of clutter: A maximalist home is not afraid of clutter and displays a collection of eclectic items, such as books, vases, and collectibles.

Remember, the key to maximalist decor is to have fun and not be afraid to make a statement. If you are like me and love plants & your style is a maximalist you can take these tips to design with house plants

Choose plants that fit your light conditions: Make sure you choose plants that are well-suited for the amount of light available in the room.

Group plants together: Grouping plants together can create a lush, tropical feel and add visual interest to a space.

Consider height: Mixing up the height of plants adds dimension to a room, creating visual interest and depth.

Use plants to divide spaces: Large, tall plants can be used as room dividers to add greenery and create separate spaces within a room.

Hang plants: Hanging plants is a great way to add greenery to a space while freeing up floor space. Choose pots and containers that complement your décor: Consider the size, shape, and color of pots when selecting containers for your plants.

You can find fun decorative pieces and planters for your home or office at thrift shops, estate sales, and unique décor on Etsy. Our shop focuses on unique animal planters that can be the social spot light in your space.

Air- Purifying Plants

Adding air-purifying plants to your home can have numerous benefits. These plants not only add beauty and life to your living space, but they also help to improve the air quality by removing harmful pollutants and chemicals. This results in a cleaner, healthier, and more inviting environment. Not only are these plants easy to care for, they can also be a natural and affordable way to promote wellness in your home. Whether you have a green thumb or not, incorporating air-purifying plants into your home décor is a simple and effective way to create a healthier living space. Below is a list of 4 easy houseplants to add to your space and help clear the air.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Known for its ability to remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air, the spider plant is one of the easiest to care for. It thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs watering once the soil has completely dried out.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): This beautiful plant is effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and ammonia from the air. Peace lilies are low maintenance, preferring moist soil and partial shade.
Aloe Vera: Not only does aloe vera provide a soothing gel for minor cuts and burns, it is also effective at removing formaldehyde from the air. This succulent requires bright, indirect light and infrequent watering.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Often called the “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue”, the snake plant is known for its ability to remove nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and benzene from the air. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making it ideal for those with a busy schedule.

Next time you are looking to add a plant for your indoor space try adding one from the list above.

Create color in your garden

Spring is the perfect time to add some life to your front yard with a beautiful garden bed. Here are a few inspiring ideas to get you started:

Welcome the Season with Color: Choose brightly colored spring flowers such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths to create a cheerful and inviting garden bed.
Create a Mixed Border: Plant a variety of perennials, shrubs, and bulbs in a naturalistic style for a charming and low-maintenance garden bed.
Embrace Textures: Combine plants with different textures, such as fine-leaved ferns and the broad leaves of hostas, for a rich and dynamic garden bed.
Use Edibles: Consider adding a vegetable or herb garden to your front yard. A raised bed filled with tasty edibles like lettuce, radishes, and herbs is both functional and beautiful.
Play with Height: Use plants of varying heights, from short ground covers to tall grasses, to add depth and interest to your garden bed.
Go Wild: Create a wildflower garden filled with native species that will attract pollinators and provide food and shelter for birds.

No matter which direction you choose, remember to have fun and be creative! Your front yard is an extension of your home, and a beautiful garden bed is a great way to make a statement and add value to your property.