FAIRY GARDENS

There has been a trend in gardening for a couple of years

called fairy gardens.  At first, I had no idea what it was.

Now I do and I love it.

You may be wondering what is it.

The basic idea of fairy gardening is gardening in miniature,

creating the appearance that tiny fairy creatures have taken up residence in your garden.

This is a perfect opportunity to let your creativity run wild,

and let your inner child out to have some fun.

This is also a great chance for the children in your life,

be they friends, grandchildren, or your own children, to be part of the process.

 

What is the best place for a fairy garden?

Most sources say it should be slightly hidden,

at the base of a tree or an out of the way corner of the garden

to create an element of surprise and discovery for visitors to your garden.

Incorporating small plants into the scene increases the feeling

that the space is inhabited by tiny fairies.

 

Creating a fairy garden can be as big or as small a project as you'd like it to be.

 Here are some ideas to get you started:

• No garden to make a fairy garden in? Use a container. Place it on your porch or deck to enjoy the tiny landscape. If you use houses or other accessories that can't take the elements, this makes it easy to move them indoors during inclement weather
• Another idea for a portable fairy garden: use an old suitcase and plant one side with your garden, close up the garden when extra protection is needed.
• Look at items with a child's eye, or better yet, work with your children or grandchildren to repurpose items you already have. My young friend that lives next door has come up with amazing fairy houses just using items she finds outside plus what she discovers while sorting through odds and ends in my craft supplies.
• Check the Christmas clearance items for fairy garden potential. Many of the items typically used for Christmas village scenes are perfect for fairy gardens at a fraction of the price.
• Fairy gardens don't need to stay outside. Use small houseplants grouped in a container or terrarium as a backdrop for your fairy landscape.