Do you love a good do-it-yourself garden project?
From 1963 to 1967, the Minneapolis Sunday Tribune (now the Star Tribune) published a weekly column called “Knickknack Gardening,” by William Rieck.
This column shared step-by-step instructions for easy DIY projects that used plants brighten up a home or garden. While some of the projects required the reader to have a yard or other outdoor space, many others were perfect for anyone who simply had a balcony or a room with a sunny window.
We searched Newspapers.com™ to find 10 of these fun “Knickknack Gardening” projects! Click on the link under any project to see the full instructions, as published in the Minneapolis Sunday Tribune!
1. Vegetable Garden

What is it?
“Here is the living garden that attains the ultimate in economy and novelty. Its main components are parts of vegetables that you would normally discard with the garbage” – Nov. 3, 1963
2. Thimble Garden

What is it?
“A thimble garden is achieving the ultimate in miniature gardening with live plants.” – Nov. 10, 1963
3. Living Bookends

What is it?
“Living bookends make novel pieces on your bookshelf, on your desk or in any location you wish to accent.” – Nov. 17, 1963
4. Aquarium Garden

What is it?
“The aquarium garden is an interesting study of aquatic life set off by living plants.” – Feb. 16, 1964
5. Bird Cage Gardens

What is it?
“Bird cage planters are a popular sales item with the florist now. You may make up your own bird cage garden using a regular bird cage that you may have around the house.” – Mar. 1, 1964
6. Moss Ball Garden

What is it?
The moss ball garden is an extremely unique garden, although not too long lived. Its unique beauty will give you much enjoyment.” – Mar. 8, 1964
7. Vine Garden

What is it?
“A simple pyramid of building blocks creates the novel framework for a vine garden.” – Jul. 5, 1964
8. Wall Garden

What is it?
“If you have a brick or block wall along your property line, brick trim on your home or a fireplace chimney on the outside surface of the house, you have the background for this charming setting.” – Jul. 12, 1964
9. Bottle Garden

What is it?
“The first comment about your bottle garden is sure to be: How did you get the plants in the jar? It’s easy if you follow these directions.” – Oct. 4, 1964
10. Seed Pole

What is it?
“An interesting, simple project can be done with the help of the children for both your and their enjoyment—both in making the pole and enjoying the results.” – Jan. 24, 1965
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