I'm trying to start on Christmas, so I can assemble stuff bits at a time. And also so I can try to find free/second hand items, which takes longer. I'm a bit stumped on something though. Want to help me?

My 9yo son is *really* (I mean really really really :lol: ) into plants, topiaries, bonsai, hydroponics, etc. He's got all sorts of make shift terrariums, planted areas in the garden, in the yard, on the patio, windows, you name it. He has been for a few years. (see, even in my sig pic)

So, I'd like to find some type of Christmas gift that focuses on this. I plan on putting in a cold frame for growing vegetables through the winter. So he can play around with that. Is there a way to make a little greenhouse? Maybe a grow light and a warming pad? We get lots and lots and lots of books from the library. This is one of those things that is always the same, so even if the books are ancient it doesn't matter.

There was a HUGE aquarium at the salvation army today. It was at least a 50 gallon tank. I was thinking with a strip grow light and a warming pad under, it would make a great growing area. It was $30 though, which is a lot. I'm wondering if there's an alternative that's cheaper. Plus, I'm wondering if I can find someone with one that's cracked, so no good for fish anymore, that they might not want it.

and he wants a paw paw and a sassafras tree. I know fall is a good time to plant trees, and it's still very warm here around Christmas, so that's maybe still a possibility. I'm finding ordering trees on line pricey. I'm wondering if I can find an alternative. They aren't popular trees though, so I'm not sure about hiking and finding them.

I'd love any ideas!

Post on freecycle that you're looking for an old aquarium, leaky is fine. I could have gotten you one a few weeks ago if you were closer. My neighbors throw everything away. My friend-around-the-corner and I rescue it and post it on freecycle - saving the planet one trashpicking at a time. We rescued one good fishtank, and could have had a leaky one from the same pile. :p

I think I have a friend with a couple of sassafrass trees (that's what my handy neighbor said the trees were). I can check with her to see if there are any babies around them. :D

I think it's really neat that your kid is so into gardening. My little Patrick is a budding herbalist, and Rowan is an aspiring tomato farmer.

Very cool! Now, it's not at all thrifty, but I think this is the coolest thing:

AeroGarden (http://www.officialaerogarden.com/default.aspx?adid=ggl1002.1)

I saw it in person at a local garden store. I was duly impressed!