Fairy Gardening is one of the hottest trends in gardening and with good reason, it’s FUN! Gardening on a smaller scale can be more manageable, but it can also provide some interesting creative challenges for the experienced or novice gardener. For kids, a Fairy Garden is an accessible way for younger gardeners to experience the wonder of green and growing activities.
Getting Started
- Focal point. Choose a fairy house or cottage, bridge, pond or other landscape accessory. Or maybe it’s a found piece of art or even an interesting rock. Perhaps it’s a specific fairy, play up that fairy's personality. It could be adventurous, romantic or mischievous.
- Use your own garden sense for a beautiful creation.
- You can find "fairy plants" that are really just young versions of houseplants.
- There are ever more accessories available to fill in your fairy garden including miniature furniture pieces and sets, landscape accessories and miniature animals.
- Create an element of discovery - something hidden that will be a surprise for anyone who takes a closer look.
- Fairies are inherently mischievous and magical, so when you build a garden you should have that in mind.
- The options are limitless.
Planting a Fairy Garden in a Container?
- Does your container have a drainage hole? If yes, just plant your normal good draining potting soil.
- If not, then you'll need to layer your container with some products to manage the moisture. Place a 1/2 inch layer of small gravel in the bottom. Next sprinkle some activated charcoal as the next layer. Top off with potting soil. If soil "clumps" when squeezed, add some Perlite, or Vermiculite to lighten it up.
- Install plants. The number will depend on the size of the plants, and the container.
- Don't overplant. Leave room to grow. Push the soil aside, place a plant in the depression, and firm the soil around it. Repeat for each plant. Water lightly. (3 or 4 ounces).
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!