As most of you know, every month we like to enjoy one inexpensive- and sometimes free- bouquet to keep things feeling fresh around here (the idea actually stemmed from a super sweet Christmas present from the hubs a while back). But this month I just had to deviate from the plan when I saw this adorable leafy little guy complete with his own shiny turquoise ceramic pot for- get this- $2.50 from Walmart. Ringing in just as cheap (if not cheaper) than most of our monthly grocery store bouquets, I love that this splash of foliage livens up my desk and even comes with its own vase of sorts (well, planter) that I can use over and over again… even if my leafy friend ends up kicking the figurative bucket.
So far so good though. He’s a low light house plant (which is nice for the right side of my desk that gets only partial sunlight) and I especially love how he looks next to my shiny pink Crate & Barrel vase (who is no stranger to our monthly bouquets so you guys may even recognize her). And yes I did get a bit sexist there by calling the blue potted plant “him” and the pink vase “her”- sorry for that. We of all people know that blue can totally work for the ladies (since it’s one of the main colors in our daughter-to-be’s room) and John has even been known to sport something pink from time to time.
Anyway, that’s our monthly dose of greenery. We definitely recommend keeping an eye out for cheap potted plants these days, especially those that come in charming little ceramic pots as opposed to those cheap-o plastic ones. Heck, even those aren’t too bad if you grab a crisp white $1 ceramic planter from Ikea. So there’s more than one way to get your fill of lovely leafy goodness.
What are you guys gravitating towards in the floral arrangement or potted plant department these days? Any deals out there to be found? Anyone snipping things from their own backyard? We had some lovely cherry blossoms on a tree out front but decided to leave them outside just in case they tried to kill me once they were invited indoors (silly allergies, although this year they’re much much better than usual). Anyone toting home those super affordable daffodil bouquets from Trader Joe’s? Let’s talk about the flowers and plants that you’ve been inviting inside.
Nicole says
I bought the same plant (well, same kind of plant) from Wal Mart last year. It was in a small red ceramic pot that I just could not pass up. I had to re-pot it this year though because it has grown like crazy!
Jennifer says
JUST snipped some bright pink azalea blossoms from the bush out back. Seeing them on my windowsill makes me happy – I think it’s a mini endorphin rush.
Amber Cox says
I’ve got a lilac bush in the back yard and I’m just WAITING for it to bloom! Still chilly in Michigan – but I know it’s getting closer every day! Then I can clip a few for the vase in my kitchen, a few more for the dining room table and maybe a couple for the vase in the nursery. They smell SOOO good!
Michelle Kersey says
So cute!!!! I need to keep my eyes open for stuff like that for my nursery-in the works. I want to get a couple plants to keep in there to keep things fresh.
Any tip offs for a lamp that color that’s inexpensive?
Oh, and I bring in daffodils after they’ve had a chance to live outside for a little while… I planted 50 bulbs a couple years ago… so I have tons of daffodils to bring in when I want… and they just keep duplicating every year!
BUT, I cannot wait until summer so that my hydrangeas bloom and I can bring some of those inside! I love hydrangeas!
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve see bright lamps in that color at TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Home Goods- and they’re always a steal. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
I like your plant. I finally got around to putting a clipping from a plant I got at my naturopath’s office into soil. I’m not sure what kind of plant it is (never seen one before) but the office staff there thought it was kinda weird that I asked for a branch to take home. Nevertheless, it is thriving. Never hurts to ask!
Lindsay says
Sher –
What a timely post! I actually *just* bought an orchid the other day (on your advice from ages ago) and am hoping that it does okay. I’ve been known to kill aloe and all kinds of un-suspecting plant life. I’m a terrible plant Mommy!
How are your orchids doing, btw?! I love the fact that it’s so non-perfumey and so pretty! They told us at the store that all we have to do is just pop a couple of ice cubes in it per week and that’s all it needs. Have you ever heard of that?! That way it won’t get over or underwatered!
Yay!
Lindsay
YoungHouseLove says
Love that tip! So easy. Our orchids are still going strong. The only sad thing is when they no longer bloom (since they have a blooming season and then go dormant until the following blooming season) but then it’s oh so exciting when they start flowering again. Good luck with yours!
xo,
s
Suzanne says
For the last couple of weeks I’ve been bringing in Forsythia branches from our yard. Our shrub always looks a bit weedy but gathering a few long stems of yellow blooms and putting them in a large white vase on my mantel has totally freshened things up in our living room! Ahhhhh….Spring!!
Patricia says
I have the same houseplant! Though, I bought it from Lowe’s. ^_^
It’s the first plant I’ve ever owned (besides all the plants I watered for my mom whilst living at home) and have NO CLUE how often to water it, how much light it needs, etc… So far, I’ve had it on my bedside table and water it about every 4 days… It seems to be holding up. Does this sound like too much or too little??? I have no clue… *buries head in embarrassment*
Angela says
I always think this when you post your monthly budget bloom but have never asked it. Have you ever used the vase John gave you for Christmas along with the monthly bouquet? I’ve never seen it.
YoungHouseLove says
Angela- You know I actually haven’t! It served as a caddy for wrapping paper for a while but it’s suuuper tall so no bouquet that we’ve purchased or cut from the yard has ever been tall enough! Luckily it’s pretty and sculptural even with nothing in it, so we get to enjoy it sans flowers.
Patricia- Yup, that sounds about right. I generally water all of our house plants every 5-7 days (being careful not to overdue it since I’ve learned I’m more likely to drown a plant than dry it out). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
LW @ Aisle to Aloha says
I’ve recently brought some greenery into my life. I planted an herb garden on our little back patio and it’s growing like wild! I’m excited to use them in a big pot of spaghetti sauce this weekend! Here’s the link to a post I wrote about the venture:
http://aisletoaloha.blogspot.com/2010/04/herbalicious.html
My mom is the gardener in the family and I’m still trying to figure out if I inherited the green thumb, because I usually just kill the little guys. I suppose time will tell…
Jenny D. says
I’ll admit, I’ve been pretty scared of plants. I’ve had a black thumb for a long time. But I need some green in my life, so back in February I bit the bullet and bought a $1 plant from Ikea, and one of the cute $1 planters (this was before I found your blog, imagine my surprise when they were all over here!). I figured, if I could keep it alive, I could get more plants. If not, well, I’d only be out a buck (since I could re-purpose the cute planter).
I’m happy to say that Mr. Ikea-plant is still growing strong, which means I’ve graduated to more plants! I’ve been obsessed with succulents lately. One of my new ones is a burro tail, thanks to your blog, and I love it! It’s nubbly little arms just put a smile on my face!
r8chel says
When I got home from work this evening, I went outside and cut a few lilacs and tulips to make three little bouquets of “budget blooms.” I love being able to bring little clusters of spring inside!
I posted pictures of them here: http://r8chel.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/happiness-in-a-vase/
jO says
i got the same plant but mine was $6 =\ STILL CHEAP for me!!!
Mary says
I have daffodils from my flower beds in my house currently. I will have tulips soon!
Christie says
haha, i have the same plant, same pot, also from walmart.
ED says
I have the same one but with ivy… oh and mine was $5!
Lori says
I bought that SAME plant / pot at WM last month – love it, so easy to care for and really adds a punch of color. I live in Missouri and all the lilac bushes here have just started to bloom, so will be bringing some cuttings into the house this weekend. They’re my all-time favorite, just a few blooms fill the whole house with scent!
Ginessa says
I just have a question. Your home appears to mostly filled with items you picked out or purchased yourself. What do you do with gifts from family or friends you don’t really like much or isn’t really your taste? Thanks! I love your blog
YoungHouseLove says
Good question! Well, many of our friends and family read the blog so they see that we love certain things (white ceramics, baskets, clean lines, pops of blue and green) so that helps. Otherwise many people give us food (we’re huuuge fans of baked goods) or little things like starbucks cards or other gift cards so we don’t get many random gifts that we struggle to work in. Every once in a while we do get something like a bright red frame that doesn’t quite fit in with our decor, but we’re minimalists and firm believers that life is too short to fill your house with things that don’t really make you smile. So every once in a while we’ll add something to the garage sale pile or donate/return it (we wouldn’t ever want any of our friend or family members to keep or display something we got them out of guilt so we hope it’s not too harsh). In the end it’s really all about being grateful for the thought, sending a thank you note, and then surrounding yourself with things you love. Anyone’s house would look crazy if they showcased every item they ever received from friends and family so a little editing is never bad. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
sarsha says
Hi! You asked about the Trader Joe’s daffodil bouquets – we used them in our spring wedding.
Here’s a link to the post with a picture of said flowers in canning jars on the mantle behind us: http://che-gallup.blogspot.com/2010/03/we-love-love.html
I kept them in the fridge for a few days before, which worked out great. We were married in the a.m., so they were just starting to open during the ceremony and we came home from our honeymoon to them bursting into bloom.
Beck's Chic Life says
Love that little guy and cannot believe he was so cheap! I love house plants and have quite a few. I also cover my little deck with plants in the summer. I do love to indulge myself once in a while with fresh flowers, they add some sort of luxe factor to any room. I always feel guilty when they die though. If I could make them last a month like you guys seem to do, I wouldn’t feel wasteful.
http://www.beckschiclife.blogspot.com
Kris S says
I have a little guy just like that! I got him as a gift several years ago and now his is huge and always looks nice. If I can keep one alive (no green thumb at all) I’m sure your little plant will last!
Katie says
This is our first spring in our new house so we were pleasantly surprised by the unexpected tulips and daffodils that came up! I like to use stuff from our yard bc it’s cheap…and it’s our very first yard! :)
Jen says
Very cute!! Love the turquoise.. that is my favourite colour right now!
I discovered a Gerber daisy greenhouse last week and bought a bouquet of 8 for only $5. Love finding flower deals!
Andrea P says
Hey J&S!
Can you tell us more about that cute little fish on your desk?
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Just scroll up for that info. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ben/Kate says
Hey, I just wanted to comment on your pink/blue boy/girl item:
My burly-grew-up-the-oldest-of-three-boys-farmer-mountain-man-father wore pink to the hospital when both my sister and I were born, and he’s worn pink every father’s day since.
Just a sweet note on men wearing pink.
-K
Pam says
I try to pick up a bouquet every week at the farmers market. Some go with me to work since I seem to be there more than home :(. I’ll cut branches from our shrubs (boxwood or nandina) for filler when I want a larger bouquet. Trader Joe’s is always a great place to get cut flowers – they last all week (sometimes longer).
Liz @ Bont Temps Beignet says
I ‘stole’ mine from the side of the road. They’re a gorgeous lavender-y/purple colored wildflower. I have no clue what they’re called. Maybe someone on here knows?
Here’s a link to some pictures I took of them.
http://bontempsbeignet.blogspot.com/2010/04/highway-robbery.html
Cindy says
Currently I have two blooms left on the Easter lily pot that my mom got me about a month ago!
I’ll be sad to see them go, and will most likely be grabbing some tulips or a hydrangea when we get groceries tomorrow.
Can’t wait to start my pots, as unfortunately I doubt the builder will get around to finishing our yard for landscaping until much later in the summer :(
Jessica says
I tried crab apple blossms in a vase. I saw how to force them on BHG.com. Well, not 5 minutes after I had it all set up in a vase on the buffet, my cat tipped it over, breaking my “new” Goodwill vase. Must have smelled too fresh for him, naughty kitty. I better stick to succulents. My cat has yet to realize they are plants.
I also like your blue fish!
Ana says
YHL,
The gardenia is my favorite flower – and I can’t recommend it enough as a house plant. I live in West Virginia so as you know it’s really cold for a good part of the year. The gardenia has the most incredible scent – the flowers are phenomenal! Here is what they require:
1. LOTS of sunlight – they love a big window.
2. Acidic soil: I fertilize with an acidic fertilizer once a month between March and November.
3. Few waterings. I water every Saturday, but they say that you are supposed to water when the top in of soil in the pot is completely dry.
When my gardenia blooms, I cut the flowers and put them in tiny two inch vases in every room. They make the place smell like a botanical garden :)
Tiffany says
I love the potted plants right now. For good deals, I found a clearence section in Lowe’s plant department. I got blackberry bushes for $1, plants and flowers for $0.50, it was a steal!
Ashley says
Very cute. I love how something so simple can just work perfectly.
Amie says
I’m a huge Trader Joe’s fan – they don’t seem to have the $1.39 for 10 daffodil stems anymore, but I always try to stop by there once a week to pick up some super affordable flowers. Right now we’ve got some mums and I’m big on the market section with random mixtures for 4.99. Love Trader Joe’s flowers!!
Laura says
That’s a cute little schefflera. We love ours–we’ve had it for 10+ years, and it’s suffered all kinds of abuse in our various homes, from blazing heat to very low light. When we had our baby I think we forgot to water it for two months. It’s stlll going strong! I’ve repotted it twice, and I think it would get even bigger if I let it. I have to prune it back maybe once a year.
Eva Kristjansdottir says
Every few months I buy an orchid from IKEA, it costs a little less than 5 euros and it blooms for 2 to 3 months. When the all the flowers are off I throw it out because no matter how hard I’ve tried I can never get it to bloom again, so I pick up new one but always use the same ceramic pot. I love orchids!
Christa M says
I got the exact same pot and plant. I must have gotten it when they were full price (a mere $5) At that time there were so many options to choose from (pot shapes and colors and different plants) I loved them all and had a tough time deciding which one was coming home with me. It’s the first plant I purchased for the new Apt. I’m hoping to keep it thriving so that it will become a larger plant!
Good luck with the plant.
Andea Melberg Thompson says
I have several ivy plants also from Walmart with lthe limey green ceramic pots. Actually, the ivy got put in tin pots from Ikea. The limey ceramic pot got a fake Ikea plant put in it for our bathroom with no windows and light!
DemMom says
We bought 2 of those a couple of weeks ago from Walmart too. Things got a little crazy around here and we forgot to water them for awhile. But as soon as they had a big drink of water, they sprung back to life! They look great on our huge living room window sill.
Pip says
[even comes with it’s own vase of sorts]
I thought you guys were copywriters? Ahh apostrophe abuse.
YoungHouseLove says
Please don’t arrest me! Writing over 45 posts a month (that’s around 22,500+ words) is very different than my copywriting days of yore. See, I used to write copy for Got Milk ads and scripts for Johnson & Johnson commercials. Not only were those around 30-100 words a pop, I actually had an assistant AND a proofreader to ensure that no rogue grammar errors got out the door. And I’m afraid it’s a bit more of a grassroots operation over here at YHL. But we wouldn’t have it any other way. Forgive us!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
Love schefflera, just remember they are are considered a toxic (poisonous) houseplant! Make sure your little one steers clear!
YoungHouseLove says
Always good to know! Thank goodness Baby P won’t be mobile for a while so we’ll have plenty of time to make sure that all dangerous house plants are far out of reach when that time comes.
xo,
s
Kaitlyn says
I just moved into a rental home that has a HUGE lilac tree in the back yard! I now have them in vases all over my house. Do lilacs make anyone else super sleepy or is that just me?
I also picked up a few really awesome succulents at a local exotic plants greenhouse. We’ve affectionately named one of them flapjack. The cat hasn’t knocked any of them over yet. It’s just a matter of time…