"My mind sees that I am nothing, my heart sees that I am everything, between these two poles my life unfolds."

Friday, July 27, 2012

Terrariums: Tiny Worlds 2



Any clear glass container (plastic can also be used) with or without a lid can house a terrarium (it all depends on the plants you are using - ie: succulents cannot be grown in a closed environment) Bright light is best - but never direct sunlight! 


The first few terrariums I built had to be taken apart and redone with all new materials (save the decorative elements, which I scrubbed off with soap and water) because I introduced too much moisture into them right from the onset and they were quickly overrun by mold - the terrarium's mortal enemy.


After further research, I rebuilt from the base upwards using:

1. a layer of rocks for drainage, (the dollar store)
2. one inch of activated carbon (you'll find this where they sell fish & aquariums) - this helps filter decaying plant matter,
3. layer of dry sphagnum moss (stops soil from falling through to the rocks below and allows you to 'sculpt' your terrain)
4. approximately two inches of prepared all-purpose potting soil (don't use dirt from outside!)
5. plants which I'd trimmed right down, removing most of the roots and dirt surrounding them,
6. decorative elements,
7. a few ounces of water (preferably not tap water) sparingly applied and a few good mists of water.


There are many very good websites that will assist you further in all areas of terrarium building - in particular, achieving the right balance of moisture. The ultimate goal is to have to water/prune only every few weeks or months in many cases. Here's a great one-page resource I've bookmarked.


Many of the rocks I used were collected by my children more than fifteen years ago, when we lived in Peace River. As well, the merino glass piece behind the couple on the bench was a pendant that fell (& chipped) a few years ago. Terrariums provide the perfect opportunity to dust off and display those cherished items that have been languishing in a cupboard or drawer in your home.


The little people were purchased at a hobby store which caters to miniature railroad enthusiasts. Everywhere I go now, I find myself keeping an eye out for interesting objects that could possibly be used in my next terrarium. 

20 comments:

  1. This is so lovely!! I really want to start one... but I'm scared because I kill all plants - even a cactus?!

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  2. Love those little people! What a great idea to check out model railway miniatures.

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  3. OMG...you are really into these. They are amazing. Dd you already have all of the teeny things?

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  4. I love the little people, Jane! What an awesome touch to these gorgeous terrariums. It looks like you're having a great time. You should consider selling some of these. Also, try to locate some Tillandsias (air plants). They are tiny epiphytes that will thrive in this type of environment, and they are adorable! Unless you're already doing that, of course :)

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  5. Love the little people, they make it fun.

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  6. Quite fascinating peering in to a tiny world. I'd love to know what the little people on the bench are talking about! We did something very similar years ago when I was in Sunday School, we made a Garden of Gethsemane! Of course, it didn't last, but it looked good for a while.

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  7. I have 9 million rocks I could put to good use. Such an interesting and cute hobby.

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  8. Love this pretty one as well...and the tiny couple! This particular terrarium really tells a story!
    Jane, you are so creative, I would never have the patience for this:D

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  9. This is brilliant Jane! I love it! You're very creative - with my killer paws a terrarium would soon be a desert! Loving the little people as well.

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  10. Oh, I love your little people in the terrarium! Great post.

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  11. My hat's off to you for the patience you must have to create these darling little miniature worlds!!! I love the couple on the bench!!

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  12. Nicely done. You most assuredly have a talent for this.

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  13. What a charming little world you have created!

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  14. So very lovely and fun to watch it evolve over time also.

    Thanks for the tips and tricks to get going with this very novel hobby. I'm getting very interested in trying one for our home.

    You have a green thumb. I'm sure its a delicate operation getting everything placed just so in the vessel. Wonderful idea Jane.

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  15. These are amazing. Wowaza! I want one :-D

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  16. That's really cool! Man, this could make a great fun thing to do with my girls. The two little people in there are awesome. :-)

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  17. Oh, I want to be that woman on the bench in that little Zen Garden. And she's holding a book, too!! :) You are so talented, Jane!!

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  18. Omg...I love these...and what a great idea the little people are! This may become my new winter hobby...stunning too!

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