I was dreaming of gardening last night but when I was ready to go outside I found it was raining! That is Seattle for you. So I decided to do a little indoor gardening instead, and liven up my old luggage!
I am an avid collector of luggage. The two pieces I love the most are the medicine bag my grandmother carried with her during world war II and the suitcase engraved with my other grandmother's initials. On this dreary summer day I decided to give them new life and plant them out.
If you would like to do the same I have a few words of advice. One, I used succulents because they require less water and therefore reduce the risk of spilling water on the bags. Two, I planted the aloe and jade tree in pots first, then simply slid them into the cases. That way when it comes time to water, all I have to do is pop them out and set them back in when I am finished. Happy Planting!
Images: Katy Nida





Sprout Side Table
I foresee an episode of Portlandia tackling this one. Combo of succulents AND decorative luggage!? Maybe someone should stick a bird on it too. (Yes, my snark runneth over today.)
Slow news day?
love seeing creative ways of displaying plants... a few thrifted suitcases would make fantastic 'pots' for a small balcony in the city..
thank you hessilou
i. want. that. plant. (picture#1 bottom left)
@ JulianneMay: I may be wrong but I believe that's one of many types of the Pepperomia family of plants (succulent).
@hessilou --
You left out the Antlers ;-)
I like this post alot...great use of old fashioned "grips" as my uncle called suitcases. Much better than the stack I currently have in the corner. Thanks for the good ideas.
Would it be too rude to say that this sucks?
Have to add that what makes that jade in the third picture (crassula, for you gardeners) so lovely is how well trained it is. A nice trim always makes a jade look better... IMHO.
@runwithscissors - (LURVEeee the nic btw) Thanks!
could it be cos i live in southeastasia? Nev seen this breed before. and I walk past a Nursery everyday. Well, five days of the week (work days). nope... ..maybe cos of the way it grew too (all 'upwards' and straight.. love it, looks great, v decorative.) BUT THANKS! I'll just email and ask to buy it online if im hardcore.. happy with just $2, $3 plants for now.. haha =)=)
i meant to say "know", not 'nope' - menny menny typo these days.. noticed i walked to the tv, switch it on, go the room, come out and exclaim in shock - WHY IS THE TELLY ON (happened twice) think my brain's turning to mush... hope this is my last typo ever, ever !!! grr...
LOL @ JulianneMay! I can relate, I opened the fridge the other day and discovered a potholder...hmmm
Oh and they have the Pepperomia staked. They are quite fast growing for a succulent but so easy to care for. Easy to prune and root from cuttings as well :) Hope you locate one!