one of these bad boys and don't know what or who to plant - call me up lover, i will hook you up! i would love to play landscaper in one of those gorgeous little glass treasures!
terrariums by others
i am gonna let you cheat right now. oh yes i am. cuz i might do the same! loving these gorgeous terrariums that i found today on /compai. these sexy looking geometric terrariums by assembly new york are hand welded metal and glass. they are so stunning. i want like 3 in a cluster SO BAD. my only concern with them is that they showcase them with succulents (which are not included with the purchase), however if you were to buy these vessels i would not recommend desert plants. i would go full on tropical because there is no opening, and humidity is going to reign king in that little world. and if you do buy
one of these bad boys and don't know what or who to plant - call me up lover, i will hook you up! i would love to play landscaper in one of those gorgeous little glass treasures!
one of these bad boys and don't know what or who to plant - call me up lover, i will hook you up! i would love to play landscaper in one of those gorgeous little glass treasures!
super plants
i found this terrific article (below) on NASA studies that prove air plants to in fact clean the air! i suggest you read it because it is very informative and exciting. it is amazing what plants can do! they go beyond the call of beauty! ever since i read the article i have been loading up my already plant full home with more leafy friends. i have a feeling you might be inspired to do the same!
NASA Study House Plants Clean Air
Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution. Those plants in your office or home are not only decorative, but NASA scientists are finding them to be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside modern buildings.
NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) have announced the findings of a 2-year study that suggest a sophisticated pollution-absorbing device: the common indoor plant may provide a natural way of helping combat “SICK BUILDING SYNDROME”.
Research into the use of biological processes as a means of solving environmental problems, both on Earth and in space habitats, has been carried out for many years by Dr. Bill Wolverton, formerly a senior research scientist at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, Miss.
Based on preliminary evaluations of the use of common indoor plants for indoor air purification and revitalization, ALCA joined NASA to fund a study using about a dozen popular varieties of ornamental plants to determine their effectiveness in removing several key pollutants associated with indoor air pollution. NASA research on indoor plants has found that living plants are so efficient at absorbing contaminants in the air that some will be launched into space as part of the biological life support system aboard future orbiting space stations.
golden pothos excellent in cleaning indoor air
While more research is needed, Wolverton says the study has shown that common indoor landscaping plants can remove certain pollutants from the indoor environment. “We feel that future results will provide an even stronger argument that common indoor landscaping plants can be a very effective part of a system used to provide pollution free homes and work places, ” he concludes.
Each plant type was placed in sealed, Plexiglas chambers in which chemicals were injected. Philodendron, spider plant and the golden pothos were labeled the most effective in removing formaldehyde molecules. Flowering plants such as gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums were rated superior in removing benzene from the chamber atmosphere. Other good performers are Dracaena Massangeana, Spathiphyllum, and Golden Pothos. “Plants take substances out of the air through the tiny openings in their leaves,” Wolverton said. “But research in our laboratories has determined that plant leaves, roots and soil bacteria are all important in removing trace levels of toxic vapors”.
“Combining nature with technology can increase the effectiveness of plants in removing air pollutants,” he said. “A living air cleaner is created by combining activated carbon and a fan with a potted plant. The roots of the plant grow right in the carbon and slowly degrade the chemicals absorbed there,” Wolverton explains.
NASA Clean air study
NASA Study shows common plants help reduce indoor air pollution….
NASA research has consistently shown that living, green and flowering plants can remove several toxic chemicals from the air in building interiors. You can use plants in your home or office to improve the quality of the air to make it a more pleasant place to live and work – where people feel better, perform better, any enjoy life more.
TOP 10 plants most effective in removing:
Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Carbon Monoxide from the air
* Bamboo Palm – Chamaedorea Seifritzii
* Chinese Evergreen - Aglaonema Modestum
* English Ivy Hedera Helix
* Gerbera Daisy Gerbera Jamesonii
* Janet Craig - Dracaena “Janet Craig”
* Marginata - Dracaena Marginata
* Mass cane/Corn Plant - Dracaena Massangeana
* Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Sansevieria Laurentii
* Pot Mum – Chrysantheium morifolium
* Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum
* Warneckii - Dracaena “Warneckii”
Chemicals Used
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a commercial product found in a wide variety of industrial uses. Over 90 percent of the TCE produced is used in the metal degreasing and dry cleaning industries. In addition, it is used in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives. In 1975 the National Cancer Institute reported that an unusually high incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas was observed in mice given TCE by gastric intubation and now considers this chemical a potent liver carcinogen.
Benzene is a very commonly used solvent and is also present in many common items including gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, and rubber. In addition it is used in the manufacture of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and dyes.
Benzene has long been known to irritate the skin and eyes. In addition, it has been shown to be mutagenic to bacterial cell culture and has shown embryotoxic activity and carcinogenicity in some tests. Evidence also exists that benzene may be a contributing factor in chromosomal aberrations and leukemia in humans. Repeated skin contact with benzene will cause drying, inflammation, blistering and dermatitis.
Acute inhalation of high levels of benzene has been reported to cause dizziness, weakness, euphoria, headache, nausea, blurred vision, respiratory diseases, tremors, irregular heartbeat, liver and kidney damage, paralysis and unconsciousness. In animal tests inhalation of benzene led to cataract formation and diseases of the blood and lymphatic systems. Chronic exposure to even relatively low levels causes headaches, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nervousness, psychological disturbances and diseases of the blood system, including anemia and bone marrow diseases.
Formaldehyde is a ubiquitous chemical found in virtually all indoor environments. The major sources which have been reported and publicized include urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) and particle board or pressed wood products used in manufacturing of the office furniture bought today. It is used in consumer paper products which have been treated with UF resins, including grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues and paper towels. Many common household cleaning agents contain formaldehyde. UF resins are used as stiffeners, wrinkle resisters, water repellents, fire retardants and adhesive binders in floor coverings, carpet backings and permanent-press clothes. Other sources of formaldehyde include heating and cooking fuels like natural gas, kerosene, and cigarette smoke.
Formaldehyde irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. It is also a highly reactive chemical which combines with protein and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. The most widely reported symptoms from exposure to high levels of this chemical include irritation of the eyes and headaches. Until recently, the most serious of the diseases attributed to formaldehyde exposure was asthma. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently conducted research which has caused formaldehyde to be strongly suspected of causing a rare type of throat cancer in long-term occupants of mobile homes.
view the original article here.
NASA Study House Plants Clean Air
Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution. Those plants in your office or home are not only decorative, but NASA scientists are finding them to be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside modern buildings.
NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) have announced the findings of a 2-year study that suggest a sophisticated pollution-absorbing device: the common indoor plant may provide a natural way of helping combat “SICK BUILDING SYNDROME”.
Research into the use of biological processes as a means of solving environmental problems, both on Earth and in space habitats, has been carried out for many years by Dr. Bill Wolverton, formerly a senior research scientist at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, Miss.
Based on preliminary evaluations of the use of common indoor plants for indoor air purification and revitalization, ALCA joined NASA to fund a study using about a dozen popular varieties of ornamental plants to determine their effectiveness in removing several key pollutants associated with indoor air pollution. NASA research on indoor plants has found that living plants are so efficient at absorbing contaminants in the air that some will be launched into space as part of the biological life support system aboard future orbiting space stations.
golden pothos excellent in cleaning indoor air
While more research is needed, Wolverton says the study has shown that common indoor landscaping plants can remove certain pollutants from the indoor environment. “We feel that future results will provide an even stronger argument that common indoor landscaping plants can be a very effective part of a system used to provide pollution free homes and work places, ” he concludes.
Each plant type was placed in sealed, Plexiglas chambers in which chemicals were injected. Philodendron, spider plant and the golden pothos were labeled the most effective in removing formaldehyde molecules. Flowering plants such as gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums were rated superior in removing benzene from the chamber atmosphere. Other good performers are Dracaena Massangeana, Spathiphyllum, and Golden Pothos. “Plants take substances out of the air through the tiny openings in their leaves,” Wolverton said. “But research in our laboratories has determined that plant leaves, roots and soil bacteria are all important in removing trace levels of toxic vapors”.
“Combining nature with technology can increase the effectiveness of plants in removing air pollutants,” he said. “A living air cleaner is created by combining activated carbon and a fan with a potted plant. The roots of the plant grow right in the carbon and slowly degrade the chemicals absorbed there,” Wolverton explains.
NASA Clean air study
NASA Study shows common plants help reduce indoor air pollution….
NASA research has consistently shown that living, green and flowering plants can remove several toxic chemicals from the air in building interiors. You can use plants in your home or office to improve the quality of the air to make it a more pleasant place to live and work – where people feel better, perform better, any enjoy life more.
TOP 10 plants most effective in removing:
Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Carbon Monoxide from the air
* Bamboo Palm – Chamaedorea Seifritzii
* Chinese Evergreen - Aglaonema Modestum
* English Ivy Hedera Helix
* Gerbera Daisy Gerbera Jamesonii
* Janet Craig - Dracaena “Janet Craig”
* Marginata - Dracaena Marginata
* Mass cane/Corn Plant - Dracaena Massangeana
* Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Sansevieria Laurentii
* Pot Mum – Chrysantheium morifolium
* Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum
* Warneckii - Dracaena “Warneckii”
Chemicals Used
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a commercial product found in a wide variety of industrial uses. Over 90 percent of the TCE produced is used in the metal degreasing and dry cleaning industries. In addition, it is used in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives. In 1975 the National Cancer Institute reported that an unusually high incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas was observed in mice given TCE by gastric intubation and now considers this chemical a potent liver carcinogen.
Benzene is a very commonly used solvent and is also present in many common items including gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, and rubber. In addition it is used in the manufacture of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and dyes.
Benzene has long been known to irritate the skin and eyes. In addition, it has been shown to be mutagenic to bacterial cell culture and has shown embryotoxic activity and carcinogenicity in some tests. Evidence also exists that benzene may be a contributing factor in chromosomal aberrations and leukemia in humans. Repeated skin contact with benzene will cause drying, inflammation, blistering and dermatitis.
Acute inhalation of high levels of benzene has been reported to cause dizziness, weakness, euphoria, headache, nausea, blurred vision, respiratory diseases, tremors, irregular heartbeat, liver and kidney damage, paralysis and unconsciousness. In animal tests inhalation of benzene led to cataract formation and diseases of the blood and lymphatic systems. Chronic exposure to even relatively low levels causes headaches, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nervousness, psychological disturbances and diseases of the blood system, including anemia and bone marrow diseases.
Formaldehyde is a ubiquitous chemical found in virtually all indoor environments. The major sources which have been reported and publicized include urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) and particle board or pressed wood products used in manufacturing of the office furniture bought today. It is used in consumer paper products which have been treated with UF resins, including grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues and paper towels. Many common household cleaning agents contain formaldehyde. UF resins are used as stiffeners, wrinkle resisters, water repellents, fire retardants and adhesive binders in floor coverings, carpet backings and permanent-press clothes. Other sources of formaldehyde include heating and cooking fuels like natural gas, kerosene, and cigarette smoke.
Formaldehyde irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. It is also a highly reactive chemical which combines with protein and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. The most widely reported symptoms from exposure to high levels of this chemical include irritation of the eyes and headaches. Until recently, the most serious of the diseases attributed to formaldehyde exposure was asthma. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently conducted research which has caused formaldehyde to be strongly suspected of causing a rare type of throat cancer in long-term occupants of mobile homes.
view the original article here.
garden stalking
sometimes you can't help but snap snap snap that camera away when you see something lovely. the rain can't even stop me! i just love me some gorgeous garden sightings! the tour guiding has ended but on our various adventures and in between (thank you mother who loves to cruise hollywood just to stare at plants!) i did get a chance to grab some sweet garden shots. the succulents are in full force this year with all that delicious rain we've had. and their is one super sexy drive way shot below - loaded up with bunched grass - yes please! more garden stalking images to come. these are mostly just some hollywood garden peeks. venice beach next!
hot
i was cruising etsy today and came across these sexy fiery masterpieces designed by modfire in phoenix, arizona. if you have the space that can handle one of these bad boys i guarantee you will get more action, cuz that thing is HOT (literally! i know, i know, bad joke). i wish i had the spot for this fiery hunk. oh well. someone else buy it, install it, and invite me over! i promise to make you a delicious arugula salad! my garden is overwhelmed with an abundance of the italian weed.
put a plant in it
the things that people come up with! the more you "dig" into the world wide web, the most amazing things show up! i love it. i found a crazy collection of designs by the sweedish design company offecct on one of my new favorite sites, design boom. they did an excellent post on a wild variety of plant "containers". i couldn't pick a favorite so i am reposting! to see the orignial article visit here.
offecct: green projects at stockholm furniture fair 2011
at the 2011 stockholm furniture fair, swedish company offecct presents a new collection
of products entitled 'oasis' bringing together a number of designs,
which in combination with flowers and plants, are meant to enhance and add value
to one's interior environment as well as improve indoor air quality.
the first group of products for the 'oasis' concept are developed by claesson koivisto rune,
front, luca nichetto and jean-marie massaud.
'green islands' by jean-marie massaud - circular version
all images courtesy of offecct
'green islands' by french design jean-marie massaud can be considered a kind of divan
(a seating unit derived from turkish origins) with an integrated area for vegetation.
by placing a higher plant within the 'green islands' one can feel as if they are sitting under a tree.
this small refuge can be placed within a public interior, inviting one to sit and engage in a moment
of contemplation or conversation. they come in circular and square versions.
'green islands' - square version
'green pedestals ' by front
the swedish design trio front designed 'green pedestals' as part of their contribution to 'oasis'.
they can function as a room divider or create a kind of oasis within one's interior.
some of the designs have dimensions that fit nicely at the side of a desk, while others sit
comfortably next to a seat or window. they come in a taller rectangular version,
or low sitting circular forms. a seat or table top can be added to the round models,
and when placed in a row or group, form a type of bench which is surrounded by greenery.
'we were influenced by traditional pedestals. we think that the pedestal is a fantastic
piece of furniture that needs a revival. with slim legs that are slightly irregular
'green pedestals ' receive a kind of personality,' says sofia lagerkvist of front.
rectangular trough-like green pedestals
'green pads' by luca nichetto
italian-based designer luca nichetto looked to the 1950's, a period when vegetation was an
integral part of architecture, when developing his product 'green pads'. he began by putting
a number of flowers into flowerpots on flowerpot saucers of different sizes, placing them
next to each other. then he removed the flower pots, the saucers remaining. these circular trays
formed a pattern, which nichetto turned into a piece of furniture.
'when I saw the pattern formed by the flowerpot saucers, I thought of monet's paintings in giverny,
and I find it hard to imagine a better starting point when designing a product for the oasis project.'
- luca nichetto
by combining a number of 'green pads' next to each other, a feeling of a single object of
greenery is created.
the design's form comes from the arrangement of various sized flowerpot saucers that have been placed next to one another
'green trays' by claesson koivisto rune
'green trays' is the design contribution of swedish trio claesson koivisto rune
(mårten claesson, eero koivisto and ola rune). it is composed of three varying,
large sized galvanized steel trays placed upon metal legs for the placement of vegetation.
'in our efforts to develop 'green trays' it has become clear that there are too few aesthetic
and practical pieces of furniture that present plants in an attractive manner within public interiors,'
says eero koivsito of claisson koivisto rune. 'our ambition was to design a product that provides
space for vegetation in a way so that it becomes possible to integrate greenery in interiors.'
the large galvanized steel trays provide ample space for vegetation
'grip vase' by satyendra pakhalé
in co-relation to the 'oasis' series, dutch-based designer satyendra pakhalé created 'grip vase'.
the table is accompanied by a vase which can be perfectly inserted into an opening
within the platform's surface. the vessel can either be used in relationship to the furniture
object or separately on its own.
top view of the table
offecct: green projects at stockholm furniture fair 2011
of products entitled 'oasis' bringing together a number of designs,
which in combination with flowers and plants, are meant to enhance and add value
to one's interior environment as well as improve indoor air quality.
the first group of products for the 'oasis' concept are developed by claesson koivisto rune,
front, luca nichetto and jean-marie massaud.
'green islands' by jean-marie massaud - circular version
all images courtesy of offecct
'green islands' by french design jean-marie massaud can be considered a kind of divan
(a seating unit derived from turkish origins) with an integrated area for vegetation.
by placing a higher plant within the 'green islands' one can feel as if they are sitting under a tree.
this small refuge can be placed within a public interior, inviting one to sit and engage in a moment
of contemplation or conversation. they come in circular and square versions.
'green islands' - square version
'green pedestals ' by front
the swedish design trio front designed 'green pedestals' as part of their contribution to 'oasis'.
they can function as a room divider or create a kind of oasis within one's interior.
some of the designs have dimensions that fit nicely at the side of a desk, while others sit
comfortably next to a seat or window. they come in a taller rectangular version,
or low sitting circular forms. a seat or table top can be added to the round models,
and when placed in a row or group, form a type of bench which is surrounded by greenery.
'we were influenced by traditional pedestals. we think that the pedestal is a fantastic
piece of furniture that needs a revival. with slim legs that are slightly irregular
'green pedestals ' receive a kind of personality,' says sofia lagerkvist of front.
rectangular trough-like green pedestals
'green pads' by luca nichetto
italian-based designer luca nichetto looked to the 1950's, a period when vegetation was an
integral part of architecture, when developing his product 'green pads'. he began by putting
a number of flowers into flowerpots on flowerpot saucers of different sizes, placing them
next to each other. then he removed the flower pots, the saucers remaining. these circular trays
formed a pattern, which nichetto turned into a piece of furniture.
'when I saw the pattern formed by the flowerpot saucers, I thought of monet's paintings in giverny,
and I find it hard to imagine a better starting point when designing a product for the oasis project.'
- luca nichetto
by combining a number of 'green pads' next to each other, a feeling of a single object of
greenery is created.
the design's form comes from the arrangement of various sized flowerpot saucers that have been placed next to one another
'green trays' by claesson koivisto rune
'green trays' is the design contribution of swedish trio claesson koivisto rune
(mårten claesson, eero koivisto and ola rune). it is composed of three varying,
large sized galvanized steel trays placed upon metal legs for the placement of vegetation.
'in our efforts to develop 'green trays' it has become clear that there are too few aesthetic
and practical pieces of furniture that present plants in an attractive manner within public interiors,'
says eero koivsito of claisson koivisto rune. 'our ambition was to design a product that provides
space for vegetation in a way so that it becomes possible to integrate greenery in interiors.'
the large galvanized steel trays provide ample space for vegetation
'grip vase' by satyendra pakhalé
in co-relation to the 'oasis' series, dutch-based designer satyendra pakhalé created 'grip vase'.
the table is accompanied by a vase which can be perfectly inserted into an opening
within the platform's surface. the vessel can either be used in relationship to the furniture
object or separately on its own.
top view of the table
around the house...
just a few quick shots of some of my newest houseplants. my plant family keeps growing! i just got a woolly pocket and can't wait to show off the lovely thing. more detailed posts to come. still have the relatives in town. terri planty is a busy bee.
p.s.
some recent great posts relating to gardening...
- d*s - we like it wild - san fran flower garden show
- apartment therapy - 15 repurposed planters
- fresh dirt - 7 things to plant in your parkway that are better than turf
p.s.
some recent great posts relating to gardening...
- d*s - we like it wild - san fran flower garden show
- apartment therapy - 15 repurposed planters
- fresh dirt - 7 things to plant in your parkway that are better than turf
the hollyhock house
sorry for lagging on posts. erick's family is in town from chicago and we have been tour guides. to begin our tour of currently very rainy LA, we cruised the east side of town and visited one of my very favorite spots in all of los angeles... barndall art park and the hollyhock house designed by frank lloyd wright. i grew up visiting this lovely hilly park admiring the views, the architecture and took many an art class at the studios on location too. many dear friends and myself included have shown at the municipal art gallery and adjoining theater. and now visiting as a self proclaimed plant hoe, the landscape is looking even better. i was so excited when i encountered my first sighting of a native california ceanothus! there was quite a of bit native flora and some sweet surprises in the mix too, like a giant plumeria tree (i own two that i brought back from hawaii and they are still just one branch up).
luckily the sun came out so that we could see la in all her glory! the sky was so loud and blue with giant voluptuous bright clouds. mother nature never fails to blow me away. if you haven't been to this spot yet, i highly recommend that you do. bring a picnic, a lover, or a good friend or family, your dog, a book, a camera and take it ALL in.
(more garden photos to come. i just took some shots of amazing gardens in the hollywood hills).
luckily the sun came out so that we could see la in all her glory! the sky was so loud and blue with giant voluptuous bright clouds. mother nature never fails to blow me away. if you haven't been to this spot yet, i highly recommend that you do. bring a picnic, a lover, or a good friend or family, your dog, a book, a camera and take it ALL in.
(more garden photos to come. i just took some shots of amazing gardens in the hollywood hills).
plants on blogs
i have been pumping up the plant volume in my home recently, thats right - the plant lady gets even planty-er. while on my mission to plant up the joint, i have been yet again inspired by the lovely bloggers that share my passion for potted treasures. as always check out the links below. so many great blogs to discover.
via wide-eyed-tree, ratzer, prateleira-de-baixo, mieke willems, compai blog and d*s.
via wide-eyed-tree, ratzer, prateleira-de-baixo, mieke willems, compai blog and d*s.
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