Lush green leaves of plants add lots of life to my home – until I go on vacation, get super busy or just plain forget that they die if I don't water them.

We’ve already told you about the self-watering plant box – which could have saved innocent lives from my summer vacation (R.I.P. spider plant, Christmas cactus, and fern I couldn’t identify) – but have you heard about Botanicalls, a project developed by NYU students that makes it possible for your plants to phone you when they’re getting a little dry?

Moisture sensors placed in the soil transmit information that eventually triggers a system (which is way too complicated for me to explain - click here, for a diagram) that places a phone call to you. A pre-recorded message of a plant personality alerts you to your newly assertive plant's watering needs. Amazing, right?

Have a listen to the Scotch Moss – hilarious! – and you’ll wish your container garden would put you on speed dial, which is fine because you can request at D.I.Y. kit right here.

Rachel