TERRARIUMS

A terrarium? I always thought of terrariums as something you would find in that crazy-plant-lady house. An overgrown mossy jungle in a fish bowl, probably hung by a window from a 1970's macramé holder.

Let me tell you, I was wrong!

Love these terrarium's from Pottery Barn

My family and I lived two years in Denver. While we were on our 'extended-vacation', the thing I missed most about my home in Illinois was my garden. I had a beautiful, well planned garden; complete with a walking path, rock garden, pond and mediation fountain, - all encased by a gorgeous collection of herbs, ground cover, splashed with a colorful mix of annuals and perennials. I could (and did) spend hours tending to my garden. My husband and I would relax outside, pulling weeds and watching our plants grow.

My former garden and pond

 

While living in Denver, my husband realized how much we both missed gardening. His solution? He bought me a terrarium. I thought he was crazy. There was no way this little glass greenhouse (however cute as it was) could take the place of my beautiful garden. 

The terrarium sat on our counter, empty, for weeks. One afternoon, my husband suggested we stop by a greenhouse... "while we were out". This used to be one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon. I grudgingly agreed, with a predetermined mind set that this excursion would be excruciating. I would have to see all the plants and flowers I couldn't buy, knowing I was only there to pick out moss. ugh! 

I loitered by the beautiful annuals while my husband started talking to the sales person, trying to learn everything he could bout terrariums. He learned a lot that day. Well, we both learned a lot. The may thing I learned was a terrarium could become a little garden inside my house. There is a huge variety of plants and flowers that grow well in a terrarium. I was able to out something besides moss!

Suddenly, a terrarium sounded like a great idea.

My husband and I selected a variety of plants. We carefully planted, clipped, watered, and tended our little indoor garden. It allowed me to garden once again, and I moved  my little greenhouse back to Illinois with me. Its sits in our kitchen to this day. 

My husband has started something. Now, I can never pass up a terrarium at an auction or flea market. I must buy them all! Compulsive? Maybe. But they are so easy and fun, and they bring a sense of summer into  any room of the house all year round. If this classifies me as the crazy-plant-lady, so be it!

Open Container Terrarium to grow herbs in your kitchen!

Building Your Own Terrarium

CHOOSE A CONTAINER:

Most likely you can find an unused container in your basement, garage or kitchen. You don't have to go out and buy a mini greenhouse. Be creative!

• Open Container such as mason jars and bowls
  Plant succulents or cacti prefer airy conditions and indirect light They'll do the best if you keep them in a container with the lid off.

• Closed Container such as apothecary jars and mini greenhouses
  Chose humidity tolerant, shade loving plants such as ferns, ivies and begonias. If too much condensation builds up, remove the lid until the the glass is clear. Then, replace the lid. 

Soil layers in a terrarium promote healthy growth.

LAYERS:

• Sand
  The bottom layer should be coarse sand which will give your terrarium extra drainage as needed. 

• Soil
  Select a soil specifically for containers. It will retain moisture and feed your tiny garden.

• Charcoal
  Activated charcoal, used in aquariums, help to filter the water and prevent fungi from growing.

  

• Moss
  Moss acts as a ground cover and thrives in humid conditions. If the moss turns brown, add a little water and cover the container. 

• Plants
  Choose your pants depending on your container. Ask someone at your local greenhouse for help. Start with something easy.

 LEARN MORE:

• There are many books available that cover the subject of starting terrariums. Lola's has a great one titled, Garden Anywhere. Also, check your local library and online resources. 

Garden Anywhere - By Alys Fowler

A how-to guide for growing gorgeous container gardens, herb gardens, kitchen gardens, and more - without spending a fortune! This book takes the intimidation factor out of gardening. Best of all, this book focuses on organic growing, so you can learn to grow some of your own food and herbs.

Retail: $24.95 (+ shipping)
 

  

Happy Gardening!

- Stacey Olson

Stacey Olson is a Featured Contributor to the Living Lola Style blog.