Mike Schropp of Total Geekdom found, as so many of us do, that his work area was looking a little too techy and lacked any touches of nature. So he did what most of us would never think of: he built a computer case with an integrated garden. The top of the computer case is a planter that holds live, growing wheatgrass.

The heat from the computer (an older model known for running hot) helps to support the wheatgrass’ growth, while the wheatgrass helps to offset the carbon dioxide created by the operation of the computer. Plus, every once in a while the wheatgrass can be harvested and eaten!

Schropp made the computer parts and case into a learning tool for his five-year-old child. It not only turned into a functional machine for practicing computer skills – it also became a beautiful touch of nature in the home. Schropp wants to experiment with different types of plants in the future to see what is possible and what grows best in this unique environment.