We’re always curious what folks do with our terrariums. For the most part we assume that they’re using them to hold plants and fun little figures to create a scene; They’re terrariums after all.
Most folks aren’t going against the grain, but chef Homaro Cantu isn’t exactly known for going with the flow. His team of chefs, who specialize in molecular gastronomy, are always creating something new here in Chicago. When they called to request a handful of our terrariums we just thought they were decorating and accessorizing. Little did we know we’d see our glass spheres gracing the dinner tables of local diners and popping up on YouTube. Want to see what they’re used for?
Although we carry several doormats here at Sprout Home, we have declared one a favorite. Our Bespoke doormat brings our love of cycling to our front doors. It’s been ordered by folks as far away as France, and is sure to bring a smile to your doorstep. Besides, how many “Welcome Mats” can you see without really wondering if you are, in fact, welcome? Pick one up today at the Sprout Home store for $31.
Here at Sprout Home we’re big fans of using plants throughout your home. Quite often folks are scared to put them in children’s areas since small hands can be a little grabby. We’ve been following along the home renovation over at Chezerbey,where Lauren has recently decked out her baby-to-be’s nursery.
Above the changing table, she’s used air plants in conjunction with clear glass containers to keep her little one occupied during diaper time. They are a great look without something screaming “nursery” at you. Although there’s a time and a place for cute animals and things that play songs, we’re loving this mobile alternative and wanted to applaud a job well done.
Make sure you check out all the renovations happening over at Chezerbey. They’re inspiring to say the least! They’ve tackled outside landscaping, indoor remodeling and even built their own deck.
There are many things we’ve learned over the years about toxins in the world around us. We’ve learned that canned food might not be the best, PVC is a little icky and that even household standards, like the garden hos, can pose a potential threat. Another common one is the arsenic that was added to treated lumber in the past. Although we didn’t know any better, it worked well, but old wood could have leached bad things into your soil from your past deck or patio.
The first step to determining if your yard is at risk is to test the soil. In the past, when high levels of arsenic were discovered, the only treatment was to dig it all up and replace it with new soil. It was costly, laborious and frustrating! Now researchers have come up with a new, more eco-friendly way to free your soil of these toxins. The best part is it’s substantially less expensive and looks attractive at the same time. So what’s the scoop?
Ferns! It has been discovered that in as little as 2 years, ferns could remove most if not all of the adverse chemicals in your soil. Maybe you live on what once was farm land, or just aren’t sure how the previous homeowner treated your dirt. Just plant a few ferns. The more the merrier, as these beautiful bad boys will store the toxin in their leaves until trimmed and new ones grow in their place.
It’s a cool idea that could make all the difference if you have small children or even pets you might be concerned about. Read more over at Science Daily.
Image: Flickr member Dierken licensed for use by Creative Commons
Did you know we have an Instagram? Oh we totally do! It’s the easiest way to take a look at what new things are hanging out in our store. We get new plants 2-3 times a week and it’s the perfect way to see what new leaves you need in your home.
Find the beauties before your friends do, and be the first with the finest foliage in the hood! We need friends, so won’t you be our neighbor?
