Maximum Living Terrariums
Summer is just around the corner, and longer days mean growing plants. But maybe this year you want to scale things back. Whether you’re in an apartment or a house, you may not want to plant the garden this year. If so, that is the perfect reason to make a terrarium. They are perfectly contained environments that add color and life to any living space, while at the same time giving you a place to keep your green thumb exercised.
Materials:
Glass container with lid
Sphagnum moss
Washed pea gravel
Potting soil
Peat moss
Small plants
Spray bottle
- Lay a nice sheet of moss on the bottom of the container; then add a layer of washed pea gravel. I then like to take my potting soil and peat moss and make a mixture of 2 parts soil to 1 part peat moss. You want to make enough so that it will layer up at least as high as the container you purchase your plant in. Next, add your plants. Below, I have outlined a list of plants that I have found work best. Once your plants are all in place, lay one more layer of moss over the soil; this helps to keep the environment moist. To finish off, it is always fun to add a miniature figurine like a frog, fairy, or a bird to the landscape. Let your imagination run wild; remember, this is a miniature fantasy garden. Now that everything is in place, lightly water the entire terrarium and then gently mist all plants. Put the lid on the container and place your container in an area that gets indirect sunlight. Make sure to always keep the lid on your terrarium, as it is necessary to keep the environment steady and moist. The terrarium should be able to hold its own water cycle and only need water added when you notice a lack of moisture or condensation on the glass container. This is a fun project to make as a gift, as it really can be a great interior design element for the home.
*Plant listing
Ivy, ferns, African violets, hypoestes, mosses and any other moisture-loving indoor plants.
This is also a really neat project to let your kids make right along with you. So enjoy, have fun, be creative and don’t ever forget …YOU CAN DO IT!
Randy