Potless Plants and Pothole Plants

There always are great new innovations to be discovered in the world of gardening. Just look around the web on Pinterest or gardening blogs and you'll find something you didn't even know was possible. Recently I came across a few new (to me) gardening trends and creations that I felt compelled to share. Practical or not for your own gardening, these inspired ideas can get your own creative juices flowing.

Potholes are a clear source of frustration for everyone. However, one crafty blogger decided to turn them into works of art. Located in London, this self-proclaimed "Guerrilla Gardener" has taken to the streets to create some intricate small works of green art. Choosing pothole pockets in sidewalks and in streets, Steve Wheen of The Pothole Gardener creates little gardens.

He's even put together videos to see how passersby respond to the unexpected gardens. Maybe not so surprisingly, dogs are very excited to check out these gardens (if you catch my drift). Wheen states that he doesn't leave props out after the photo is taken, but the mini gardens serve as a way  of raising awareness about potholes while also providing something more aesthetically pleasing. It's a cool project and I know I'd be delighted to see something like that in my neighborhood.

Another new trend re-emerging is called kokedama. I discovered this over at Garden Rant, one of our favorite gardening sites here at Bentley Seeds. You get around needing a pot by using a moss ball along with mud and string to encompass the roots of your plant. As Elizabeth points out, watering a moss ball isn't as easy as watering a potted plant.

Then again, if you're committed to the unique style, the aspect of weighing, draining, and soaking the moss ball is probably going to be fun. Apartment Therapy has some more information and images about kokedama. Uses swinging plants suspended on strings can give your home a whole new look.

Herb infused vinegars are the new infusion wave, possibly. Especially in the winter time when there isn't as much growing going on in your garden, you can easily continue to grow herbs in your home. I discovered a new take on Garden Therapy that links to this post about infusing vinegar (apple cider, white balsamic, etc.) with parsley, rosemary, or sage.

This is a pretty simple DIY project that can be for your own enjoyment or for personalized gifts. I mentioned in my post about homemade holiday gifts that infusing vodka can be a creative and fun gift. Of course, not everyone drinks alcohol, so if you have a food-savvy friend that will enjoy homemade vinegar for salad dressings and bread dip, you can gift them infused creation instead.

These new ideas above seemed cool and innovative to me. What else have you seen around the web lately that has inspired you?