oh why did i talk about the sun coming out? it was inevitable the fog would roll back in, it's june, in california, on the coast. it's what happens. i took more photos of it (the fog) and our neighbors greenery growing into our yard. lucky for us since there's not very much time for my own garden. but i did take a terrarium making class here, and now have this pretty tiny landscape that is easy to manage!
here are some instructions i brought home to share with you:
there are three types, closed, partially closed and open dish gardens. a closed system will require water once every 3 months. a partially closed, about once a month. and an open dish will need water at the same frequency as any other open style planted container plant.
1. find a sturdy container, it doesn't need holes for drainage.
2. choose plant families that have the same water and light requirements.
3. for ferns, your first layer will be an inch of some sort of rock or chunky glass. the next layer will be one half inch of activated charcoal, spread completely over the bottom layer. activated charcoal is available at most pet stores and helps to keep the terrarium disease free. it also helps to stabilize the moisture. the third layer is potting soil, 2 to 4 inches.
4. now add the plants, make indents where your plants will be and gently lower them into the vessel. tamp down. then lightly but thoroughly water.
5. if you are making a xeriscape, or low water terrarium, you can skip the charcoal and the soil and just plant directly into the glass or stone. these require very little water.
6. once your plants are in, feel free to augment with 'stuff'. make miniature homes for gnomes. add sticks or larger rocks. tiny toys are fun additions. ceramic animals or mini statues might add some whimsy as well. or be a purist and add nothing but plants.
most important, never over water, better dry than wet, and have fun!
for inspiration click on twig. i want to live in one of their terrariums. so lovely.
xo lori
