Compass Greater NY, LLC
Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES, Compass Greater NY, LLCPhone: (917) 623-0624
Email: [email protected]

Mason Jar DIY Ideas for Plant Lovers

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 03/06/2022

Mason jars are a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and clever crafters. From storage to drinkware and everything in between, these glass jars are useful for almost anything. Gardeners and houseplant lovers also love Mason jars for their inexpensive utility. No matter what your DIY experience is, if you are interested in ways to use Mason jars in your gardening life, here are some fun ideas to try.

Tiny Terrariums

A glass jar makes a perfect terrarium vessel--as long as you have small enough plants. Making a miniature terrarium environment in a Mason jar is a fun challenge with great rewards. You can watch delicate, humidity-loving plants thrive in a tiny garden anywhere in your home.

Propagation Jars

Many common houseplants can be reproduced with cuttings left in water. While this method requires patience, it's a great way to make new plants for loved ones and your own collection. For most plant cuttings, Mason jars are a perfect fit. Simply fill halfway with water, add the cutting and grow roots for a new plant.

Mini Herb Gardens

Most fresh herbs used in the kitchen don't require plenty of space to grow. This makes them great candidates for a DIY miniature herb garden. Add soil, seeds or rooted sprouts and keep the herbs in a sunny window sill or on your kitchen counter. Soon you'll have a personal supply of fresh herbs without using any garden space.

Succulents & Cacti

Succulents and cacti are other examples of plants that can thrive in a small container. Because they are drought-loving and easy-going plants, they also make great gifts. Add some well-draining soil mixed with sand or other amendments and plant succulents or small cacti in jars for a low-cost, low-maintenance way to repurpose old jars and expand your plant collection.

About the Author
Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.