REAL: New addition to the house

I almost wanted to make the heading new additon to the family. . . But wouldn't want to mis-lead anyone. But a family airlume it is.

Earlier in January 2013 I spotted this lovely cupboard in my mom-in-law's house and just fell inlove with it. I mentioned to my mom-in-law that if she ever wanted to get rid of it (it was awkwardly placed in a small room), I would be more than happy to have it, but ofcause I know she loves it, but throught I'll just say. Her response was, this old thing! Nobody wants it, you can have it with the greatest of pleasure!

So yesterday we picked it up, just-just fit it into my small 4 x 4.

Our first plan for it was to place it in the guest bathroom and to fill it with rolled up fresh towels, toilet paper and other amenities. The guest bathroom does not have any fanity space currently, excpet for a very sad half cracked glass shelf, a small glass shelf, placed just on the side above the toilet. The first time I used the toilet the shelf nearly didn't survive when I came up, so, we will have to take it down before a guest gets injured!

Our second plan for it (should it not fit into the bathroom) was to turn it into a shoe cabinet in our bedroom! :-) Ohhhh did I love that idea.

As the saying goes, RECYCLE - REUSE!!!

So, for now it is in the bathroom, just moved it in last night. I still have to clean it and rework it a bit, but here is a sneak preview.

BEFORE AND AFTER: Veg - Spinach and Rocket

Just two more before and after photo's for now.

Below: Spinach - We have had some and there's still plenty for us to use over the next week or two. And if you are wondering, the sticks with the plastic bags tied to them is great for recycling/reusing BUT are really there to chase off unwanted mouse birds that eat my crops.

Below: Rocket - Our bearded dragon loves the Rocket so much!!! In the after photo below it has already made flowers and started producing seed. Will be taking them out and planting some petty pan pumpkins.

BEFORE AND AFTER: Portager Pathways

So our portager started off with just plain soily paths with some natural looking stepping stones. But this is rather messy and not all that nice. Portagers are somewhat more formal and hence the decision to start dollying up the paths.

We have only completed the one pathway so far. Will have to do it piece by piece as the pebbles can work out rather expensive depending on the size of the area one wants to cover.

So firstly we lifted the stones already layed down. We then layed a weed sheet down to stop weeds from growing in the pathway. We then layed down the stones again and filled it with white pebbles. I love the combination of the brown stones and the white pebbles. We also placed some solar pannel garden lanterns right at the entrance and built a focus point cirlce in the middle with spebbles and a little garden girl catching butterflies! And she helps to keep the birds away from the spinach and lettuce.

Next to the pathway in sequance we planted rosemary, mint and red basil on either side.

BEFORE AND AFTER: Herbs - Chives

Our CHIVES have gone bushy!!!!

And they are so yum!!!! They have gone into quite a few home baked breads, stew dishes, our house warming party meals, brinjal dishes, etc. And there are still plenty left. So, I conclude, it is true - Herbs produce more and more as you use of them.

BEFORE AND AFTER: Veg - Artichoke

Before and after archichoke - they are still growing. It is the first time I am trying to grow tehse and I am not sure at which point we will see "fruit", but keeping an eye on them patiently.

BEFORE AND AFTER: Salad and Parsley

This is a beautiful before and after example of the eco-circle gardening method from start to finish. We used take away bear mugs that we found at a expo where we enjoyed our lunch. Everyone wanted to know what we were collecting them for, they were just being thrown in the trash. Everyone also loved the idea.

Here you water into the containers that have been prepared with little holes to allow the water to seap throught to the roots of the vegetables.

Below: Butterlettuce and parsley.

IDEA: Green Garden Furniture

What do you think of this - an awesome green, eco-friendly, reuse idea. And what perky pretty this will add!!!