PLAYING WITH PLANTS TO SHAKE OFF THE WINTER BLUES
This time of year can be a challenging time for avid gardeners. We must find ways to “play” with plants, even if it means playing with our tropical indoor plants. Making a terrarium is a perfect indoor winter project. Miniature gardens or landscapes can be created in glass bowls, aquariums, or heavy plastic containers. This is why I want to invite all of you to our annual
KIDS DAY in the GARDEN
This Saturday, January 20th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
One of the many fun activities we offer for KIDS OF ALL AGES is terrarium making. This workshop is not only free but it is also very educational. Last year, kids made over 700 terrariums using the small plastic corsage boxes that we provide. So much fun. And, like I said, this one activity is for all kids to enjoy and learn.
For more information on our KIDS DAY in the GARDEN event and everything going on this day, click here.
If I have captured your interest, you may wonder where and when terrarium-making started. The idea of the terrarium comes from the efforts of the Victorian naturalists to bring new plant specimens back to England from their travels. A London surgeon named Ward discovered that plants and seeds could be grown or transported viably in large sealed glass jars. The 19th-century jump from growing exotics to study to growing exotics in ornamental containers was the start of today’s contemporary decorative terrariums.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN MAKING A TERRARIUM
- A glass container or aquarium is my preference for a container.
- A layer of horticultural charcoal on the bottom will help prevent the smell of stagnant water that can occur when water stands for a long time.
- Use a high-quality potting medium.
- Select compatible plants. Have fun landscaping your terrarium and adding fixtures to enhance the plants.
- Place your terrarium in a bright location. Direct sunlight is not needed.
- As for watering… try using a mister, which will clean the plants’ leaves and moisten the soil. Be careful with hand watering.
Just like you do with outdoor landscaping, don’t be afraid to change your terrarium as you develop new ideas for finding new, exciting plants. Re-landscaping can be fun.
PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS!!!!!