Posts Tagged: terrariums

Growing in Miniature

Terrariums have always fascinated me, especially when they contain tiny buildings, oriental bridges, driftwood, unusual rocks AND plants. I also have a fondness for Wardian cases, that were popular during Victorian days, displaying unusual plants, moss, and often small reptiles. They originally were built to transport plant specimens from Europe and Asia to the U.S., or other locations. The moist enclosed containers would maintain the plants for some time, until they reached their destination.

Part of the fun is the hunt for tiny, small plants that will fit your glass container and any tiny decorative accessory to add to the plants. Ferns, succulents, violets, orchids and air plants work well as the living part of your miniature “home”, and small pieces of bark, rocks or a bird nest, along with tiny ceramic insects, reptiles or figurines will complete your miniature world.

During the holidays I purchased some large plastic, clear ornaments (4x4x1), at a craft store. What fun it was to plant them with moss, succulents, air plants and carefully embellish them with driftwood and rocks. These miniature growing globes were fun to create and give as gifts. They will last for years with only minimum attention and an occasional sprinkling of water.

We all desire to connect with nature and to nurture living things, especially during winter months when it’s difficult to be out in the garden.  Consider creating your own terrarium or miniature garden. You will find great resource books in our local libraries.

Gifts from Friends

My birthday was at the beginning of January, but it seems I have been celebrating it all month.  Just last week, several friends (who happen to be master gardeners) got together and surprised me for a lunch.  At the lunch, I received wonderful gifts-two of which really stood out.  I had been thinking about creating a terrarium for some time, but when I actually received 2 in one day, I knew it was kismet.  One is in a large decorative jar and the other is this unique vessel. It’s in an ornament, yes, like a Christmas tree ornament.

I know terrariums aren’t something new; they have been around for hundreds of years.  I won’t go in to that; you can do a Google search and find that information.

It is surprising how much information is out there about terrariums.  I had a look at YouTube and found a bunch of great how-to type videos on creating terrariums.  They also help explain the different plants you are able to use.  I especially like the Fittonia spp. (Nerve Plant) and the Pilea spp. (Friendship plant).  I have a container at home I’d like to try to use Adiantum spp. (Maidenhair fern) or Davallia spp. (Rabbit’s foot fern) in.  For me, ferns are always a difficult plant to grow, but in a terrarium, they might work.  The humidity of a closed or open top terrarium suits their needs well.

You can also find on the Internet; little, fun decorations you can add to your terrarium. On one site, I found had miniature metal garden furniture, watering cans, and bird baths!  In my large terrarium stands a figurine from England.  My friend,Karen, placed it in there with care.  You can see in the picture below how sweet that little addition is to the terrarium.  Rocks, driftwood, colored glass are just a few suggestions of what you might add to the container to give it extra interest.

I am going to try and put together a terrarium on my own and I’ll have to update you all on how that went.  For now, enjoy these few pictures I have of the gifts I received from my friends.

Super cute terrarium. (photos by Jennifer Baumbach)

Ornament terrarium.

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