What’s the Big Deal About Fairy Gardening?
You might think fairy gardening is just for kids, but trust us, it’s a world of wonder waiting to be explored. Abigail Stout, creator of the fairy garden-themed Etsy shop Sprouted Dreams and YouTube channel, believes that fairy gardening is more than just a hobby – it’s a way to escape the stresses of everyday life. “When you gaze upon these miniature worlds, you can lose yourself in them for a little while,” she says.
What is a Fairy Garden, Anyway?
A fairy garden is a tiny, inviting space designed to lure in those mischievous fairies. It can be in the ground or in a pot, and typically features miniature accessories that look like they were crafted by the fairies themselves. But fairy gardening is more than just a pretty face – it’s an art form that requires attention to scale, texture, and storytelling.
What Do You Need to Create a Fairy Garden?
According to Janit Calvo, author of Gardening in Miniature and owner of Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center, a fairy garden needs a mix of miniature trees, plants, and accessories that create a sense of scale and wonder. “Think tiny pathways, wee benches, and fairy houses or fortresses,” she says. Calvo emphasizes the importance of separating fairy garden accessories into two categories: those that look like they were made by the fairies (think log houses and stumps for chairs) and those that are made for the fairies (realistic mini houses and furniture that mimic our full-size world).
What Are the Best Accessories for a Fairy Garden?
When it comes to choosing accessories, Calvo advises using a fairy house as a gauge to find fairy accessories that match in scale. “If you want a fairy house in your fairy garden, use that as a gauge to find fairy accessories that match in scale to the house. Otherwise, it will look like a bunch of toys in a pot, which doesn’t invite curiosity,” she cautions. See: Best Outdoor Solar Lights
What Kinds of Plants Belong in a Fairy Garden?
When it comes to plants, Calvo recommends using slow-growing, small-leaved perennials that will stay small for years to come. “Layering down with small-leafed perennial ground covers will create a true garden in miniature,” she says. Pre-bonsai trees and plants intended for terrariums are also great options. For potted plant fairy gardens, Stout likes to include plants that drape over the side of the container, like Creeping Charlie or Martha Washington geraniums.
Common Fairy Garden Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t make these common mistakes:
- Don’t Plant too Low: When creating a fairy garden in a container, bring the garden up close to the rim. “[If you plant too low], you can’t see the garden until you’re standing above it and it’s not healthy for the plants as it doesn’t let the light and air through,” says Calvo.
- Don’t Skimp on Plants: “Only relying on the fairy houses and accessories to create a fairy garden isn’t really a garden at all,” says Calvo. “If you think about what would be a natural place for any kind of fairy to reside, you need real trees and plants.”
- Don’t Overdo It: “As with most creative and design projects, less is more,” says Calvo. “Using too many accessories in one scene will be cluttered, confusing and the viewer won’t come in for a closer look. If you want to buy more accessories, create different scenes for them or rotate them in and out of your miniature garden as you like.”
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a fairy garden that’s truly enchanting.
Darrell has a passion for gardening that he inherited from his father. Go here to read more about the influence his father played in his love for gardening. If you want to send Darrell a quick message, then visit his contact page here.
