Anniversary Post: January 2nd

January 2, 2012, "Ikea Catalog Shopping, Part 1: the Terrace"

I had so many ideas for gardening and including greenery in our apartment a year ago, but I came to find out that I'm really not the greatest gardener. In fact, Jeff is much more adept at it than I am. Of all the items I loved from the gardening section of the Ikea catalog the watering can was the only one we ended up getting (in green, and not from Ikea).

For a while we were growing parsley in this contraption that sat on top of our kitchen counter but eventually we stopped that when it just became too much. Honestly who can eat that much parsley? It was like a mini jungle. There were other attempts at growing herbs and small plants but they pretty much just died.

For now we have four distinct and separate areas for growing greenery, the last of which is a brand new addition to our home. From left to right: On the table we are growing a gardenia that is doing much better in the winter than it did in the summer/fall, some bamboo, and dirt (used to be growing daisies); the big plotted plant is a dwarf lemon tree that I blogged about here back in May; I'm not sure what this plant is but it is tropical and very very green; our newest addition is another tropical plant that we decided to put in our newly redone bedroom. 

One day I'm sure we'll have more time and space to devote to beautifying any of our outdoor living space but for now these four areas will have to suffice. 

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Ikea Inspirations

When I first started Apartment 54 it was the Ikea catalog that inspired the first few posts and project ideas. While most of those didn't pan out because we never made it down to Burbank the ideas generated from that catalog have stayed with me, and with a catalog out I have many new ideas and inspirations!

I have a few different ideas and plans I'd like to tell you about, but first let's take a look back at some other great ideas inspired by the Ikea catalog!

---Part 1: Inexpensive pots for terrace gardening
---Part 2: A few kitchen updates
---Part 3: A splash of color in the bathroom

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Photo Post: Our Terrace Garden

Jeff getting ready to plant our new gardenia bush.

Our recent purchases: a dwarf lemon tree, gardenia bush, and these two planters. I am loving the large planter for the dwarf lemon. So beautiful!

I can't wait until this yields some fruit!

He's wondering why I'm taking pictures of him, lol.

Clearly he's doing all the work!

The daisy seeds I planted weeks ago are finally starting to sprout!

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Spring Planting

Back in January we bought fixings to start growing a small garden on our tiny little terrace. I think we may have missed the deadline to start planting stuff but I think if we can get it done this weekend we'll be okay. I don't have high hopes for things to grow in this climate anyway. But we'll see! It will sure be nice to have some green things growing out there to make the view a bit nicer.

Jeff's mom planted a bunch of seedlings in a big greenhouse starter kit and already many of them have sprouted up quite nicely. They have this perfect area in their kitchen where a small bay window juts out, allowing for sunlight and precipitation. They should look really nice when they are more grown. Jeff is so funny - every time we go to his parent's house he has to comment on the state of their gardening or the pond or some specific plant. I suppose since his emotional ties are stronger to his childhood home it makes sense.

I'm really looking forward to what Spring has to offer. I'm not looking forward to the 100 degree weather that is sure to cause misery, however. But since Jeff is off school for summer (not me, grr) perhaps we can spend a lot of of time at the pool, staying cool and getting tan. It's a nice thought at least!

In the meantime I'm firmly ensconced in finals and will be for the next two weeks. Joy is the life of graduate student!

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Ikea Catalog Shopping, Part 1: the Terrace

I used to love getting an Ikea catalogue in the mail whenever I remembered to order one online, only it took several weeks for it to arrive. Now I can download it in a few moments thanks to the Ikea app for my iPad. Love it. So. I browsed through just the relevant sections (i.e., the sections that coordinated with my current project ideas) and found a few things I think I must have. Thankfully and awesomely enough the app enables bookmarking so I can browse back to specific pages with ease.

One project that Jeff and I have been thinking about since before we moved in is a garden. We live on the second floor and thus have a small terrace but it isn't an impossible space. With careful planning (he can do the math) and design (I can do that part) I'm confident we can start up a garden to be proud of! 

The great thing about Ikea is that everything is cheap inexpensive but rather nice looking. I love these white pots that are a whopping 49 cents. They would be grat for the growing list of herbs I want to plant, including rosemary, basil, and parsley. One or two of the larger pots for around $15 would work great for veggies, such as onions or lettuce. We have to be smart about what we plant and when, especially considering that summer in Bakersfield climbs up into the 100's regularly.

Hanging flower pots would be great for incorporating flowers or other herbs or spices. These white ones for $4.99 are especially darling. 

While I like the simple and utilitarian look of the white pots I just love the vibrant purple variation. These would work well for indoor plants, and would look great in our colorful kitchen. 

I'd love to get some chalkboard paint and paint labels on the pots, just so I can always know what is currently growing (this might be helpful for Jeff, as well). This seems like it would just a nice touch of customization and character. 

Our front door is set back a ways on the landing and there is a good amount of space where we could put plants that don't need a lot of direct sunlight and would be slightly cooler. I love the idea of something green at the front door. It just looks so welcoming and inviting!

I've got more ideas from the Ikea catalogue! Up next... the kitchen!