Desk project from a beginner! (For the designers out there!)

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by 1tripz1, Jun 28, 2010.

  1. 1tripz1

    1tripz1 Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi Guys!

    Looks like I've found the right place!

    I'm going to re-build my workstation and have fallen in love with this design:

    http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/4041802474_0a35f24133_b.jpg

    I definitely want to integrate some sort of floral/grass concept into the desk but have NO IDEA what to use. I love the idea of looking down at something organic when working and getting a fresh scent whenever I sit down.

    The guy who built this desk used standard Rye grass, but I suffer quite badly from hayfever and apparently this is the main cause. I'd also quite like some subtle colour, too.

    So, my question is simple.

    1) What type of things can I use?

    I'd like them to include these factors:

    1) Cheap
    2) Easy to maintain
    3) Happy to be indoors, probably no direct sunlight
    4) Nice to look at
    5) Green only is ok, but maybe some other subtle colours
    6) Fresh, subtle fragrance (not a necessity, bear in mind hayfever)
    7) Small, dont want it growing real high and crazy
    8) not messy

    Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Also advice on the type of containers/soil/? I need to use (I've never done any gardening at all!).

    Thanks!
     
  2. roders

    roders Total Gardener

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    :) Hi trip1.
    Seems like a strange idea to me,hope it's not a windup,you are asking rather a lot.
    I think a nice vase of flowers and a couple of wall hanging baskets with appropriate plants would be more suitable for your office.
     
  3. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    Hi 1trip & [​IMG].. :scratch: Not so sure about the little patch of grass as that needs some light.. :wink: I honestly think for an unlit with natural light work station would do best with shade loving plants like Ferns.. Spider plants & Tradescantias..
    Most ferns require similar care--low light, high humidity, and a light feeding of a balanced fertilizer. Variations occur in the amount of water a particular fern requires and the temperatures it can tolerate. A soil-less potting mix containing peat moss is an excellent choice for potting ferns, as they prefer potting soil with good drainage and high organic content.
    Indirect light is a necessity. Ferns need a north-facing window. South or west-facing windows are to be avoided, unless they are curtained. The foliage will burn if put into direct sunlight. Ferns will not survive a total lack of light. Like all green plants ferns need sunlight to photosynthesize nutrients.
    High humidity is a requirement for all types of ferns, but it is especially important for Maidenhair, Staghorn, and Boston Fern. In order to raise the humidity around the fern, place their pots on a tray containing pebbles and a small amount of water. Never let the bottom of the pot touch the water in the tray. A pot that constantly sits in water will encourage fungus diseases and root rot. Misting on a regular basis will help increase humidity. Ferns that need especially high humidity can be grown in bathrooms and terrariums. Browning or die back on the tips of the fronds is evidence of low humidity. While most ferns enjoy a moist atmosphere some varieties like to dry out slightly between watering. Rabbit's Foot Fern, Brake Ferns and Holly fern should not be watered until the surface of the soil is dry.
    Most ferns do well in average room temperature--68 to 72 degrees F during the day and 62 to 65 degrees F at night. Some varieites, such as Brake Ferns and Staghorns, need cooler night temperatures.
    Ferns are not heavy feeders. They only need to be fertilized once a month with a liquid fertilizer at one-half strength..
    Spider plants enjoy natural light, but not direct sunlight. You should place your plants near a window but not directly in them, this will cause browning of the leaves. The plants do well in cool rooms as long as there is enough light. You should keep your plants watered at least once a week and never soak the soil. If you find your spider plant’s leaves turning brown at the tips, this could be from the water you are using. Chemicals in water cause damage to spider plant leaves and you can remedy this by using distilled water.
    Tradescantia deserves to be more widely grown. These plants will grow almost anywhere and flower all summer long. The long grass-like leaves are produced in a large clump that stays compact, and from this arises numerous flower stems. At the top of these stems, the buds appear in a loose ball, with one or two of the three petaled flowers opening every day. Individual flowers only last one day but are freely replaced all summer. The traditional colour is blue, but there are many modern hybrids that come in a variety of shades from white and pink through to red and purple. Heights also vary with the variety and will be between 30cm and 75cm. Taller types will require some support to keep them tidy. They like feeding more often though & like partial shade, but usually do well in the office situation.. Hope that is of some help... :wink::thumb:
     
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