Prior to beginning to force hyacinths in November, i collect forcing vases. In the past, i have bought a case of special forcing vases, but in the name of economy (and recycling), i now use second-hand, narrow-necked vases.
I love to go shopping at our local thrift store, called Experienced Goods, because, in addition to having a good selection of merchandise, all proceeds support our local Hospice.
Another good place to find vases is at the recycling center at our landfill. Called the Swap Program, it's open on Saturday mornings. Its mission is to keep stuff out of the landfill, and it figures that it succeeds to the tune of 20 tons a year. That's a lot of vases, flowerpots, and old skis. I take in items that are too decrepit for the thrift store, but still have some use-ability left in them.
I love the Swap Program because i take in junk, and i walk out with treasures that are free! I can't believe my great good luck. I pick 1 or 2 narrow-necked vases off the shelf and walk out, scot-free. Amazing!
This "reduce, re-use, recycle" business is not only fun and free, it also enables us to practice the qualities of generosity and renunciation.
We give things to the thrift store (and receive a receipt to use for our itemized deductions on our taxes). My local thrift store supports a very good cause, Hospice. It's a win-win situation. And, if we take on recycling as a spiritual practice, it becomes a win-win-win situation.
About half of my hyacinth forcing vases were free, and i can freely give them away, filled with a blooming hyacinth and a breath of spring.
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