GIVEAWAYS

Indoor Plant Guide

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I think one of my first ever plants was a tiny cactus my mum bought me, probably a lesson in looking after something, and I probably killed it.  But a few years back I rediscovered my love for indoor plants, and learnt swiftly that they aren’t as easy to look after as that little cactus ( and even that I managed to wipe out )

So here is a crash course using my green thumb knowledge aka having to learn as the husband refused to buy more plants that I would eventually end up having to dispose of.

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The Cactus | This particular little guy is part of the Opuntia family, or paddle cactus. He likes the light, but not harsh sun, Cacti can burn. And water, once a month is fine. Make sure you use Cacti soil, which is well draining, usually a pumice mix.

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The Rubber Tree |  The Rubber tree is part of the Ficus family. With is broad glossy leaves is a real beaut. Keep near a window for bright, filtered light. Away from a draughty door, and make sure you let it dry out a little between waters.  I also tend to use a damp cloth to wipe any dust off the leaves every few months.

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The Split Leaf Philodendron | I love the Philodendron family, they are one of my favs. This Monsteria Deliciosa is super easy care and looks stunning! They need medium to bright light, but not direct sun. Keep the soil a little damp, but not soggy.

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The Heart Leaf Philodendron | Another Philodendron, and this was the first plant I bought back in 2010! She has made the eight house moves with us over the last 5 years, and still going strong. They are hardy and can tolerate low light, but prefer moderate to bright, but never direct sun.  Keep the soil damp, but in winter allow to dry out between watering. Every six months I like to chuck mine in the shower and hose her off.

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The Hoya | Otherwise known as a wax plant. I remember my grandmother having these growing up, they have the most beautiful cluster of pink flowers. They like it by a north facing window with filtered light, and they love a little mist! Keep the soil damp, and allow to dry out a little between waters in winter. I have mine in the bathroom and it is loving it there!

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The Peace Lily | The most common issue for these guys is over watering. They vary in how much water they need so the best way to tell is touch the soil once a week and only water if it’s dry. They tolerate under-watering more than over-watering.  They prefer low to medium light. As they have beautiful broad leaves, they can do with a wipe every now and then to get rid of the dust.

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The Succulent | This Burros tail or Sedum morganianum. They like bright light and occasional watering. Pretty low care and easy to propagate. But be careful when you move them as they are fragile!

 

There you go, a little lesson 101 on Indoor plant care! All my plants are from local gardening stores, so go have a look! If they don’t have them, a lot of the time they can order in for you!

For a chance to win the beautiful ‘ Blue Water’ Print by Penney + Bennett, head over to Facebook to see how!

Until next time, Happy gardening!

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Yes Please | GIVEAWAY CLOSED

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I love gifts, both the giving and of of course the receiving! And with the approach of the husband and I’s sixth wedding anniversary, gifts have been on the brain! Here is a few ideas for him and for her!

 FOR HER | For the urban jungle this Brass Spray Mister from Father Rabbit & Modern take on traditional yearly gifting with a Leather& Wood Chair from Indie Home Collective

FOR HIM | Nothing says I love you like an axe! This one is from Father Rabbit,  or  steak knifes for that matter, these are from Tessuti.

FOR BOTH | Day dreaming of building a home is one fo our favourite past times, and this is the perfect book for it. Modern Originals available at Everyday Needs.

But nothing goes past the perfect hand cream, and here is your chance to win one! The most delicious smelling and nourishing hand cream by Ingrid Starnes available from the your one stop gift shop The Family Company.

All you have to do is head over to The Family Company, and tell us below what you would love to give or receive from any of their range! Winner to be drawn next week! Entries for New Zealand residents only.

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

Until next time

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An Astute Assembly | GIVEAWAY CLOSED

 

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It is no secret that I am a bit of a fan of An Astute Assembly .

From their clean aesthetic to their eye for well designed products. Yoko and Yuka have curated the most beautiful home of Japanese and local designers. With a focus on supporting traditional practices, it is available right to your door step.

And they have been kind enough to offer a giveaway!

Yachimun pottery is a traditional craft of Okinawa, Japan developed under the influence of porcelain techniques from mainland Japan as well as other parts of Asia. Their kilns have been active for over 300 years.

Here is what you need to do to win this set of indigo cup and plate sets!

Head over to Instagram, Follow An Astute Assembly @aaaselect ( and me @blackbirdgem if you aren’t already ) Like the post and you’re in! ( New Zealand entries only sorry )

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED, Thanks!

Good Luck!

Until next time

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Bathroom essentials & Ecostore giveaway ( CLOSED )

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When it comes to bathrooms, these are undoubtably my ‘must-haves’

 

Practical but pretty  |  And not just pretty, organsied. For me, they day starts better when everything is in it’s place. But with such a small bathroom and limited storage how do I be practical and pretty?  Fog Linen wire storage, thats how. Available from www.fatherrabbit.com On the subject of pretty, this sweet little dish from Houston Design Co is the holder of everything that needs a transitional home, from rings, to bobbie pins it’s the handiest thing around. Available from www.houstondesignco.bigcartel.com .  And finally, no bathroom is complete without the addition of Turkish cotton towels, light weight but luxurious. Perfection.  Available from www.ottoloom.co.nz

Calm & Serene  |  Like the bedroom, I believe the Bathroom should bea  restful place. A place to collect your thoughts in the morning, or unwind in the evening. And nothing does this more than a delicious scented candle, Midnight Orchid from Ecoya is at the top of my list. Available from www.ecoya.com . Finally, being honest, nothing screams calm and screne to me than a beautiful clean space. Ecostore is the practically only product we use. Not only do the work a treat, they smell amazing and are ‘free from all nasties’ triple tick in my book.

 

The lovely folks at Ecostore have been incredibly generous and have one  Pamper Pack up for grabs! Inculding Hand wash  Body was, hand and body moisturiser and soaps! All you have to do is head over to Ecostore and tell us your favourite bathroom product in the comments below!

Winner drawn at random next Monday.

 

Good Luck!

Until next time,BlackbirdBLOG signature