Tag Archives for gardening

Sucker for succulents

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. :)

Information Overload | April 9, 2012

Today’s IO is environmental themed!

Total’s Elgin Platform Gas Leak Suffers Unfavorable Comparisons To BP | Huffington Post Green

Another oil spill off the coast of the coast of Scotland. While I agree that the spills are not equal, it’s always good to remind people of the disastrous consequences for relying on oil.

What America Can Learn From the Maldives About Tackling Climate Change | Good.is Environment

I just watched the interview with Mohamed Nasheed on The Daily Show last week. His story is pretty fascinating, and he makes some important points about how climate change is impacting communities around the world. I also liked this quote: “To switch from this old technology, fossil fuel… it’s a very, very old technology. I mean, you know, come on. It’s as old as the 1800s, and it’s such a surprise that the United States would think this is technology that is viable now.”

Algae Biofuels: The way of the future | Science Daily

My boyfriend works with algae biofuels at the Desert Research Institute (which we call Black Mesa, as Half-Life fans) so I’m interested to see in how feasible of an option this is to help solve our energy crisis.

Geek legend hacks together an off-grid smart home | Grist

Ahh, two of my loves: hacking and sustainability. Andrew (my bf as previously mentioned) and I would like to build our own home someday, and I would love to be able to function off grid.

You Can Do It! First-Time Vegetable Gardening for the Black-Thumbed | Apartment Therapy

All of my attempts to grow anything have been disastrous. I kill everything. I forget to water, I water too much, I leave the plants outside in a windstorm, etc. etc. But since I’m moving soon, I’m determined to grow at least one or two things at my new place. I’m thinking about just growing herbs to start. These are some good tips for noob gardeners like me.

We don’t need new roads | Salon.com

I really, really like this article. I’ve been thinking a lot about public transportation. I grew up in the Bay area so taking BART was a regular thing. Then I moved toNevadawhere you have to drive to get anywhere, except for inReno, where there are things within walking distance and there is a bus route. I would use the bus more except that my schedule is generally pretty spontaneous, and I sometimes have to drive pretty far to cover stories. But I think it’s important for us to start reimagining transportation based on our priorities as a society. I would much rather spend an hour reading on the subway, talking to friends, listening to music and relaxing, etc. while getting to work every day than having to drive. Luckily I live pretty close to where I work and go to school, but I sincerely hope thatNorthern Nevadamakes more public transpo a bigger priority.

Space Pictures This Week: Cosmic Flower, Inside-Out Star | National Geographic

Not exclusively “environmental,” but since we are part of the universe, it’s nice to see the beauty of it beyond the earth. Amazing photography as only National Geographic can deliver.

Have a great week!

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