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Soil
If using a container, fill it with a good quality potting soil. If planting
in the ground, amend the soil to provide much needed nutrients for the
plants.
If planting a garden to include hardy miniature trees,
shrubs and perennials, use a planting mix such as 1/2 peat moss and 1/2 pine
bark mulch.
Miniature Plants
Just about any type of miniature or slow growing tree, shrub, perennial or
flower can be incorporated into your fairy garden. Be sure to select plants
to fit the needs of the growing environment. Many garden centers have a
complete line of specified fairy plants but do not forget to shop the ground
cover, alpine plant and herb sections of the nursery as well.
Herbs are always a smart choice
because they start small and stay small with just a little trimming and
offer abundant fragrance. Thyme, creeping savory, oregano, marjoram,
rosemary and sage are all good choices.
Be sure to also choose one or two
plants to serve as tiny trees to set the scale for your garden. Rosemary,
sage, miniature evergreens and privet are good choices as they can be shaped
and maintained into trees.
Dwarf grasses, ferns, succulents,
lavender, miniature roses, miniature daisies, African violets, dianthus,
coral bells, hosta and sweet flag can all serve as shrubbery while plants
such as Iris moss, ivy, sedum, sweet woodruff, thyme, bugleweed and baby
tears can serve as ground covers.
To plant, lower the plant’s roots
into a hole then cover with potting mix, pressing gently with your hands.
Water the plants well until the soil feels damp. Water again when the top
inch of soil feels dry.
Fairy Houses
Your fairies or other miniature garden dwellers will need homes to provide
an outlet and hiding spot from humans. This house can be any type of
miniature dwelling including those you purchase as a fairy house or create
one on your own. No matter what it is, the fairies will appreciate you for
it
Fairies & other Garden Dwellers
Fairies can be found at garden centers, craft stores and online sources in
thousands of different shapes, sizes and colors.
Flower Fairies™ are a highly sought
after line of collectable fairies from the well-known author Cicely Mary
Barker. Visit Flowerfairies.com to learn about each and every one of her
fairies, their meaning and their specific duties in the garden.
Miniature gardens are not just for
fairies. Garden gnomes can also find shelter in your fairy display. Boys
tend to prefer unconventional miniature garden beings such as dinosaurs,
turtles, action figures and general farming.
Accessories
Adding accessories is what really brings your miniature garden to life!
Accessories can be either
store-bought or homemade. When you are out shopping, keep your miniature
garden in mind. Discover new items at garden centers, thrift stores,
dollars stores and craft stores. The dollhouse aisle of craft stores is a
treasure trove of supplies!
Homemade items could include a house
made from popsicle sticks, a twig arbor, acorn lids as plates and the use of
leaves as placemats or blankets. Moss can also be transformed into rugs.
Seashells can be used as birdbaths. Buttons and bottle caps can be used as
stepping stones. A pretty marble affixed to a golf tee can represent a
gazing ball. Just let your imagination run wild!
Add some paths and streams out of
colored stones and mirrors to resemble ponds and reflecting pools.
Benches, picnic tables and
toadstools can all sever as seating. To make your own toadstools, paint
wooden drawer knobs found at hardware stores red (or any other color) and
add white dots on the top.
Miniature fences, bridges, swings,
signs, a mailbox or wishing well really can add to your gardens appeal.
The fairies will also be thankful
for some pots and garden tools as well as a tiny watering can and a bundle
of twigs to use as firewood.
Don’t forget the fairy dust! Add a
sprinkle of this magical dust to capture traces of the fairies as they
travel through your garden.
Care of your Miniature Garden
Fairy gardens are ever growing, changing and evolving so
general maintenance is required. Be sure to water your garden regularly and
gently prune any plantings that are getting unruly. Feel free to change up
your display or plantings at any time.
Ready, Set... Go!
Now it's time to get started. Fill your magical gardens with homemade or
store bought accessories and unleash your imagination , the possibilities
are endless!
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