After a trip from Nelson to Christchurch through the beech forrest in the Lewis Pass, we thought we would have a go at making terrariums. They were surprisingly easy to make, and with zero maintenance, a great alternative to fresh flowers in winter.
With the response we've had to our recent project in Issue 36, it seems we are not the only ones interested in these minature landscapes for your mantelpiece. For those of you who missed the magazine, we thought we would share the instructions for you to have a go at making your own.
You Will Need:
• Glass vessels with lids
• Small pebbles or sand
• Potting mix
• Moss
• Ferns, lichen and small seedlings
Choose a glass container that is large enough to house your selected plants, small enough to put indoors, and has a tight fitting lid. We found ours at a secondhand store, but large Mason Jars can also be bought at kitchen supply shops.
The ideal plants are found in swampy or wooded areas, such as moss and ferns. A weekend walk in the bush is the perfect excuse to forage for your collection. As there is a small space to work with, choose plants that won’t grow over 30cms.
To begin assembly, place a layer of pebbles or sand in the base for drainage. Now place a layer of soil over the pebbles; keep this layer thin to help inhibit the growth of your plants allowing them to conform to their miniature surroundings. Top with a layer of moss.
Dig holes down through the moss for your plants and arrange according to shape, size, colour. Start with smallest plants first; gently press the moss in and around each root system. Once all plants are in their final positions, prune to discard any dead areas.
Initially water only enough to moisten the soil, it is better to underwater; should your terrarium wilt at all simply add a little water. Generally it can be left to it's own devises. Place the finished terrarium in good light, but never in direct sunlight as its little eco-system will overheat!
Once closed your terrarium needs very little maintenance. If the sides of the glass fog up, lift the lid until the condensation disappears then close the lid again.
Email us photos of your handi work if you give this go, we would love to see your take on the miniature garden.
