Summer Greens

I have been harping about starting my own pocket garden. I am no green thumb yet I have this overwhelming desire to have plants around my house so it can breathe. And with the kind of temperature we have right now, the thing that could beat the summer heat are summer greens. ha ha.

I also like to believe that it helps purify the air. And lessens our carbon footprint. The environment has taken so much beating from us earthlings that I am doing this little effort to provide a liveable place for the next generation. I wish my daughter to see how green the trees are, how lovely flowers are in bloom...

And so here is my first attempt. Baby steps. 

I've had my first attempt a few years back. But then neglect and sporadic care led to the inevitable demise. Sad. But I promise to do better this time. 

Now, my friend Kira, gave me two pretty cacti from The Green House Project which came with a care instruction. Sharing it here for those who share my absolute absence of a green thumb but nevertheless want to grow their own potted friends. 

Succulents Care Instruction

 Sunlight

1. Make sure to give them 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. The ideal time would be sunrise up to 10:30am and late afternoon from 4:00pm onwards.
2. You can place your succulents where there is a good source of light, e.g., by the window, on the porch, balcony, etc
3. On rainy days, you could place your succulents under a lamp with bright lights.

Watering

1. When watering your succulents, first check if the soil is completely dry. You can do this by inserting a wooden stick 4 inches deep or all the way down to the bottom of your pot. If the stick comes out dry then it's time to water. 
2. The ideal amount of water should be 1/4 the size of your pot. Make sure not to water directly above the succulent. Water the soil around the plant.
3. Overwatering will kill your succulents!

Are you a newbie city gardener, too? Please share your stories. 

Xx

Sheng

Succulent obsession

During my maternity leave, I was obsessed with two things: my newborn and plants. I was constantly in dire need to be surrounded by plants. I was wistful. I was itching to start a pocket garden. If it can't be had, at least a teacup garden. Even if I don't have a green thumb. 

Before the succulents, there were the terrariums. 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

I've set my sights on some gorgeous planters I saw in Landmark. One of these days, I will really set aside some time to put some on my balcony and on the window sill of my tiny kitchen. 

For now, these are my reality. 

I have this plant for about two years already. 

Soon, am going to have a small green space at home for that extra oomph with the added benefit of a cleaner air we breathe. And a tiny contribution to lessening my carbon footprint. 

How about you? 

Xx

Sheng