Heuchera Coral Bells

Ever notice how plants just seem to breathe life into a space? It’s even more noticeable in dense areas and especially when living in a small dwelling such as myself. But I was not born with a green thumb. Not even close. I failed to inherit the natural ease to which my mother provides TLC to her many plants.

But I’m on a mission to learn and take my first baby step into creating my own little urban garden. With note pad in hand, I ventured to Green Gate and was met with friendly staff that provided me with low budget, low maintenance, tight space options.

Perennials are more cost effective as they can live for more than two years, returning in the spring after a bloom. Exposure to sunlight will vary by type, but proximity to a window if indoors is just fine. Some great suggestions included the Heuchera Coral Bells, Dracena, Phlox “David”, Caradonna, Hosta, Foerster Grass and the Shasta Daisy. If you enjoy cooking like I do, try growing your own herbs! Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme and Parsley all seemed to fit my criteria.

If you don’t currently compost or want to purchase compost (low budget), all you need to do is save up some eggshells and used coffee grounds. A lot of coffee places such as Starbucks and Café Beano give away bags of the grounds for free. To begin, line your pot/planter with crushed eggshells. Then take a bit more crushed eggshells and coffee grounds (no exact measurements required!) and mix it in with your potting soil. Voila! Instant nutrient goodness for your plants.

For now, I’ve saved the plant info tabs to reference until I get fully used to my gardening routine. I know that with practice, it’ll get easier over time. But I suppose that’s thankfully like most things in life.

Free used coffee grounds from Cafe Beano and crushed eggshells