Terrariums are the latest craze in the gardening world; there are so many varietals, shapes, and sizes to play around with. However pre-made terrariums can run you a pretty penny. I took interest in figuring these out babies a few years a go when I saw them being sold at shops around the city. When checking the price tag, I was always astonished at the absurde prices of 40, 80 and even 150 dollars. Disheartened by the their price range, I soon started researching how to do-it-yourself. The first step is to start scouting out interesting glass containers. I found a few of the glass container pictured above at a Flea Market at Clarke Park, for around 2-5 dollars a pop. Reusing old liquor bottles such as Art in the Age's perfect corked bottles, St. Germains or even old mason jars, all work well too. The possibilities are endless and it creates a one-of-a-kind piece of living art!
Supplies:
- Small rocks, pebbles, stones or beads for drainage and texture
- Small piece of activated charcoal
- Potting soil
- Plants and mosses (Ivy, ferns, coleus, and cyclamen)
- A glass container
- Spray mist bottle
- Tiny decorations (army men work great!)
Steps:
- Line the bottom of a glass jar with pebbles —an inch should do ya
- Place a small piece of charcoal in the middle of the pebbles. The charcoal helps to keep the soil fresh.
- Add a few inches of potting soil on top of the pebbles
- Gently place three or four small plants into the container. Sprinkle more soil to cover roots.
- Arrange moss (I used preserved reindeer moss) around the plant
- Mist the terrarium and cover.
- Place you terrarium in an area with moderate light. Do not expose to direct sunlight.