I’m subscribed to more than 100 gardening blogs, and succulents seem to be all the rage this year. As a Nevada dweller, it seemed only natural to introduce some to my household. Despite being an environmental writer, I’m actually pretty awful at growing things and keeping them alive. Apparently, a green pen does not equal a green thumb. Who knew? Nevada’s landscape and weather are also unpredictable, so that doesn’t help much.

So I ran out yesterday and grabbed myself a handful of succulents (although I wouldn’t actually hold them in your hands because they can be prickly little buggers.) I kinda went nuts over them since they are so freakin’ cute. I about died over the little pink cactus.

A while ago I got a few old ammo containers from the army surplus store that I was intending to use to hold office supplies in my new office. But I knew one would be the perfect size for my mini succulent garden. (I didn’t spray paint it, the red was on them when we got it.)

Here are the “babies,” as we’ve been calling them.

I filled the ammo container with some old soil I had sitting around from when I planted garlic, but usually you’re supposed to use cacti soil. I think they will be okay though.

Here’s the finished result!

Now I can’t decide if I want to put this in my office at work or keep it at home… I might have to make a few more… plus, the whole project cost less than $30. Not a bad way to lighten up your work space for cheap.