Etsy Find of the Day: Birch Bark Planters

Digging these pretty planters, crafted from birch by Etsy seller Bear Paw Rustics.

Each is formed with a ring of natural bark finished with a leather-laced wood bottom complete with drainage holes, and planted with a selection of yummy, hardy hen-and-chicks succulents.

Handmade Birch Bark Planter With Succulents, $28

Small Birch Bark Planter With Succulent, $10

See all of Bear Paw Rustic's Etsy offerings right here.

Etsy Find of the Day: Made by Mavis Moss Terrariums

Such a simple but charming idea: Etsy seller Made by Mavis has created these sweet terrariums by filling a variety of vintage kitchen vessels with slow-growing moss. Above: Large Moss Terrarium, $35

Vintage Pyrex Casserole Terrarium, $49

Study of Moss and Ferns Terrarium, $48

Large Moss Terrarium With Tiny Sheep, $58

Moss Terrarium With Tiny Gnome Home, $42

Mini Moss Terrariums, $38

Check out all of the crafty items in Made by Mavis's Etsy shop.

P.S. If you're short on cash (and really, who isn't these days?), you can take inspiration from Mavis's examples and create your own inventive terrariums with a collection of thrift store or flea market vessels, a bag of potting soil, and a flat of moss from your local nursery.

eBay Find of the Day: Succulent Sampler

Did you know that you could buy live plants on eBay?

Yep, in addition to just about every other item on the planet, you can also procure plants for your garden from the auction super site. (It's a particularly handy service if you don't have a great nursery nearby or if the ground hasn't quite thawed in your area and your local garden center isn't yet stocked up for gardening season.)

I love succulents -- because not only are they almost impossible to kill, they make great modern houseplants (group several in a wide, low planter for a stunning centerpiece or just one in a small container for a pretty, natural accent) as well as interesting and textural additions to your outdoor landscape. Can't decide? Enjoy succulents both ways -- keep them inside until you're ready to get your hands dirty, then incorporate them into your garden.

This succulent selection up for auction on eBay includes a mix of twenty cuttings, including hens and chicks, volcano plants, echeveria, sedum, agave, euphorbia, and several other hardy varieties. The cuttings are easy to grow -- simply stick them in well-drained soil (either potting soil mixed with sand or gravel, or perlite), protect them from hot afternoon sun, and water them every once in a blue moon. I promise, they're practically black-thumb proof.

Current bid: $30