Sunday, March 29, 2009


I wasn't aware that Starbucks has a program where you can pick up free coffee grounds to use as fertilizer your garden. It's fantastic for acidity-loving plants like blueberries, and deters lots of garden pests like slugs and ants. Just don't overdo it or it'll change the pH of your soil pretty drastically. Ask at your local coffee shop - Starbucks or otherwise - I'm sure they wouldn't mind handing over something they were throwing out anyway.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Little Birdies

In a perfect world there would be a Roost retail store, and I'd get to live in it. I particularly love this "Flock of Swallows" mobile that you can find at Velocity or Tiny McSmall (who win the blue ribbon for Cutest Name Ever.)

Happy Spring!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

"Vertical Gardens"


Exit Art has put together what seems to be a really interesting exhibit of "architectural models, renderings, drawings, photographs and ephemera that depict or imagine a vertical farm, urban garden or green roof."

It opens on my birthday, so I think I might just have to go...

Exit Art
$5 suggested donation
475 Tenth Avenue @ 36th Street
Opening: March 28, 6-8 p.m.
Runs through May 23

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Sesen glass water bottles

I am completely obsessed with Sesen glass water bottles. I love the ice pack that keeps the water chilled, and the bag made out of recycled materials. It's like a Nalgene that grew up, moved to the city and started dressing better. More refined, if you will.

Don't get me wrong - I still love my wide-mouth Nalgene. It's indestructible, ergo it's always going to be the better choice when hiking and camping. It's just that the Sesen bottle would look a little more elegant in the 'fridge door, or sitting on my desk at the office. A little more grown up.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

For the Birds

The birds have been making their way back to New York City! We've had a couple of nice days in a row where I've been able to throw open the windows to let the warm air and chirping waft in. It's always been the best and happiest indicator that spring really is just around the corner!

Here are a few things that will give them a warm welcome after a long trip home...



Glass Donut Bird Feeder from Uncommon Goods


Pretty, modern and easy to see when it needs a refill!





Copper Birdbath from Plow & Hearth

This birdbath is great for a couple of reasons: First off, it's solar-powered, so you can put it anywhere in the yard and you don't have to worrying about wiring. Secondly, the moving water discourages mosquitoes, which keeps down the bug bites.



Gourd Birdhouse by Amish Gourds


My mom has always grown birdhouse gourds. As kids, it was a fun project to make them into Spring birdhouses. After waiting all winter for the center to dry out, my sister and I would have a fierce maraca session before we finally cut open the "little birdie front door." All that was left was to hang them up and wait for the birds to move in. Fun, biodegradable, renewable. About as eco-friendly as you can get!





Recycled Glass Hummingbird Feeder at TurningLife


Several different hummingbird species are endangered, mostly because they are incredibly sensitive to changes in their environment. Give them somewhere both pretty and safe to eat, and you'll get to watch these amazing birds up close! (If you have cats, make sure the feeder is hung well outside the reach of hungry paws.)





Audubon CopperTop Cedar Bluebird House

from Bird & Home


Am I the only one that built these in elementary school? Well, mine certainly didn't look this good, and definitely didn't have a copper roof. Anyone can put one up - even if you aren't handy with a saw and hammer. (The ideal location for these is on a five foot pole at the edge of an open area.)





Buri Collection at Smith & Hawken


Beautiful colors and shapes that look more like pieces of art hanging from the branches....




Springtime Nest Bell Jar at William-Sonoma


If you don't have a yard or balcony, this pretty little nest in a cloche is a lovely substitute for the real thing!


Friday, March 6, 2009

Gifts for Gardeners

My daffodils are poking up through the snow, and this weekend I'll be sowing hundreds of seeds that will eventually be planted in the two potagers I have planned for this summer. Needless to say, I've got gardening on mind in a big way!


These are a beautiful alternative to the
run-of-the-mill white metal downspout.




Moon Jar at Uncommon Goods

Since they are waterproof, they can be left outside
and would be dreamy dotting
your garden pathways at night -
no wiring or electricity needed.



Vintage Garden Tool Set at Bed Bath & Beyond

I love the look of these, and the fun, vintage carrying case.



Purple and Black Tomato Set
at Tasteful Garden/MotherEarth News

No gardener would be dismayed at receiving these as a gift,
and hopefully they'll pay your generosity back
with some yummy tomatoes!




Rain Barrel at Smith & Hawkin

Wonderful (and cute!) way to conserve water!




Birdfeeder at Branch Home

Fun shape, and it encourages birds
to hang out in your garden
and snack on pesky bugs as well!