Thursday, December 10, 2015

Fairy Garden Class - Terrarium, Home Edition

Terrarium Essentials; container, potting mix, pebbles, charcoal and potted plant(s). Optional; coffee filter, moss, decor
Add pebbles to the container. Pebbles will allow water to drain to the bottom of your container without drowning your plant. Your best bet is dark colored pebbles. This will keep your terrarium pretty when soil undoubtedly finds its way down to the bottom.
If you'd like to use moss, now is the time to use it. You can find moss in many different styles to add texture and color.
Next, I placed a coffee filter atop the moss. Why, you ask? Please, scroll down.
On top of the coffee filter is charcoal. I'd done some research online that suggested this method keeps odor from lingering. The coffee filter keeps the charcoal from dispersing down through the moss while still allowing water to pass through to its final destination amongst the pebbles.
Nearly done, I've added potting mix. If you are planning on planting succulents/cactus, you will need to use a potting mix specific for them since it allows more water to pass through (unlike the potting mix I'll be using).
Finally, plant those lovely flora in your potting soil. Slow-growing, ground cover, miniature or dwarf plants are good for terrariums. You want a plant that won't outgrow this container too quickly.
And here is our finished product! I've added some white pebbles to add to the festive winter scene. This container has a lid that traps moisture in which may fog up the glass but also means less watering (be careful not to over water). The pebble layer at the bottom really helps to remind you when a terrarium needs water or is being watered too much. To avoid mineral build up, be sure to use distilled water. You also might want to carefully wipe any remnants of watering from your container to prevent water spots.
Here is the same container with the snowman swapped out for a dainty little table and tea set. Be sure not to put any terrarium in direct sunlight. Just like a parked car on a hot day, things heat up real quick!
As you can see, terrariums are easy to start, easy to keep up with and easy to switch out decor with the changing seasons! Feel free to let me know how your terrarium turned out.

PLEASE COME VISIT MY FAIRY PAGE

4 comments:

  1. Hi Grandma Sandy - and there I was thinking the fairies were coffee drinkers haha! Thank you for showing us how to make a terrarium and for your visits to my blog this year.
    Have a happy Christmas
    Wren x

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    1. Thank you, Wren. I hope the first of my "online classes" can help others and will set a good standard for the following classes. Here's a hint; next month the tutorial will instruct My Fairy Folks on how to create a repurposed Winter-Themed Fairy Garden. Also, Happy Holidays to you as well.

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  2. I love fairy gardens and miniature scenes such as in this adorable terrarium fairy garden!

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment. I plan to do some more terrariums in the future and it helps to know others are interested in seeing more - it's encouragement for me. I hope this was a helpful blog post for you.

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