HomeGrown
Cubicle substitutes
So maybe you aren't allowed to have a plant in your cubicle, maybe that african violet sets off yor cubicle-mate's allergies, what are some ways to have a bit of peace without a live plant?
- A small zen rock garden (just try not to get sand everywhere!)
- Fake plants (silk or wooden flowers are both beautiful and nonallergenic)
- An electronic plant (There are cute little solar powered plants that bob their leaves in light)
Pets and plants
Taking care of living things whether they are animal or plant is more than simply giving it food and space. Things that are perfectly fine for humans can be detrimental to the health of pets. For example, carnations are toxic to both dogs and cats! Often we don't think about what our pets can have access to. We lock up the bleach and try to keep them from eating garbage, but what about that lovely plant you just got for the kitchen table. There are more than 700 plants that are toxic to pets. Some cause only mild nausea while others can cause death. Please keep in mind that the list we provide here is not a definite list, for a more extensive list please vist the Humane Society website or the ASPCA website.
- (Most) Lilies
- Aloe
- Carnations
- Milkweed
- Mother-in-law's Tongue
- Morning Glory
- Mums
- Onions
- Primrose
- Rhubarb
- Sacred Bamboo
- Spanish Thyme
- St John's wort
- Spring Parsley
- Tulips
- Wisteria
Tips for your own garden
Growing your own food is a wonderful way to keep in touch with nature. Here are some tips to help you get started.
- Use space effectively!
- Think about planting plants in the same pot
- Herbs and small flowering plants are good choices for hanging baskets.
- Where your plants are placed is also important, make sure they have enough light!
- if you have your small garden in a window, make sure to rotate the pot every so often so the plant grows straight, as they will instinctively grow towards the light.
- Obtain plants that are happy in shade, as constant direct light will likely be scarce.
- If you are unable to have your own garden, consider joining a community garden. This is also a good way to meet fellow gardeners and plant lovers in your area!