Here at Green Renters we spend a lot of time thinking about ways to live sustainably in a rental property. Like everyone, sometimes we find it hard to find time to do everything around the home that we’d like to. But I see it as an ong0ing process rather than a big list of ‘must do now’ items. Finding time to garden can be hard, and finding time to shop ethically even harder.

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As a renter I don’t really see the point of store bought Christmas trees. They’re synthetic and kinda ugly and we have no where to store them inbetween Christmases (like most rental properties, storage cupboards are lacking). I don’t see in the point of a cut tree, and the potted variety seem to die off in the summer heat anyway.

I also should mention that we don’t really have the space for a big Christmas tree, our living room is quite small!

So I was excited to see these photos of DIY christmas trees using household objects…

The first three are from here. The ladder looks great and I like it as it doesn’t take up too much space. The second photograph is of an old drying rack, I think something similar could definitely be made with an old clothes horse!

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Cool fire escape garden

I’m a big fan of Gardening Australia. I love learning about plants I’ve never even seen before, let alone attempted to grow. Jerry provides great insight into how to create a workable organic garden (I know we were doing ok up until the snail infestation!). I also like the step by step projects suitable even for the blackest thumb, all presented in a factual interesting format without the condescension of some television presenters.

The ABC Gardening Expo is a great chance to learn and enjoy all things gardening. Lots of things to buy, people to talk to and information to gather.

I really like the idea of the  Ask It, Solve It Stage – An informal, intimate Q&A panel format featuring ABC TV’s Gardening Australia presenters as well as other industry experts talking on specific plant care and answering all gardening related questions.

As as far as workshops go, we’d be particularly interested in attending Sally Wise’s workshops on making your own jams and preserves from garden produce.

When: October 2-4, 2009
Where: Caulfield Racecourse
Time: 10:00am – 4:30pm daily

Green Planet has published an article today on the best edible plants for container gardens. What are your favourites or successes? I find mine depend on the amount of watering, the heat and whether they are visited by neighbourhood cats!

Cate’s successes:

• Parsley
• Pansies
• Baby Tomatoes
• Chillies
• Chives
• Mint
• Lettuces

Cate’s dismal failures:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Basil

(I have had a bit more success planting these directly into garden beds however)…

I decided to move some of my cuttings (mint, parsley, nasturtiums) to a sunny window sill.  It’s a small window but it gets the most lovely warming afternoon sun.  I’ve re-purposed an old blender and a cracked flour container and I pot I was given as a gift. I’m waiting to get a punnet of pansies to plant in the olive oil tin.

I love succulents. For many reasons:

• Drought Friendly
• Easy to propagate
• Great for pots
• Disease tolerant
• Suitable for indoors and outdoors
• Lots of varieties with amazing colours, shapes and textures

Propagating succulents is really easy. You can break of a section of a healthy plant, allow to dry (3 days to a week) and plant in well drained soil. It’s a great way to increase your plant supply rapidly and easily. You can find more information at Vasilli’s Garden on propagating succulents. I’m working on cuttings to be grown into plants in time for Christmas presents and also to donate to bushfire victims.

Succulents are great for renters as you don’t need a hug outdoor garden. Here’s a great example of planting succulents in odd teacups. We use pots and pans at home with good results.

Found out how to plant and care for your own tea cup succulents here