Tiny Terrariums, Mini Gardens and Victorian Wardian Cases

I'm switching from crafts temporarily (storing up energy for the fall-winter holiday season) and for the next month or so will be publishing all sorts of helpful indoor gardening tips to ease from the pleasures of growing things outside to the joy of growing something inside.

I'm not sure what appeals to me so much about tiny things but it doesn't matter if we're talking about puppies or poppies small is cute.

Not only are terrariums and miniature gardens the solution to small spaces and apartment living but they can be a beautiful addition to your interior design.

You don't have to have a fancy antique Victorian Wardian case such as you see above, even a large vase, Mason jar or clear glass cookie jar works well. The key is to plan well.

1. Choose your container. I like the Anchor Hocking brand of glass containers they often sell at Walmart because they're decorative and inexpensive but think of any glass container or even a piece of lava rock on a shallow dish is a beautiful place for tiny succulents. Cottage Living shows how to grow little plants in clear Christmas balls and Angry Chicken has a link to a beautiful suspended terrarium.

2. Layer well. Spread a thin layer of gravel in the bottom followed by another thin layer of charcoal bits and a thicker layer of potting soil.

3. Decide if you want a theme. How about a rain forest or miniature formal garden for example? Get some paper and plan the layout.

4. Plant your flowers. You can get plants that are actually miniaturized versions of larger plants--I have some miniature orchids that I've been successfully growing in terrariums for over a year now--which can be so cute in a tiny garden complete with tiny bricks and a tiny fountain but you can also plant regularly-sized plants and let them go. Experiment a little--those white flowers you see at the left are miniature gloxinia.

5. Watch the light. You won't have to worry too much about the water because in a closed terrarium most of the water is recycled but you will need to check on it occasionally. However, watch that you don't burn the plant if you have it sitting in strong sun because the glass will make it even hotter in there--too hot for some plants.

Sponsored by Sweet Retreat Kids--for fun kids decor. Fun spaces are memorable places.

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