gardens in a glass

Em and I had a bad case of terrarium fever. It hit, oh, about 3 weeks ago. I'm told there is no recovering unless you make a terrarium--maybe 2 or 3. We each made 3--because like I said, we had it pretty bad.

This project was so fun! Actually, it wasn't just us--we involved our kids too. We wanted it to be kind of a science thing for the younger ones so as we all filled our bowls we talked about what plants need to grow, why plants in jars need special care and special ingredients--such as charcoal. I picked up this book from the library and found it to be a good choice. It has all you need to know to make your own glass gardens and a section on how to make your own terrarium tools from things you have around the house. We didn't get around to making some for ourselves, but quickly realized that the tools would be invaluable if you choose a container with a narrow neck. Ours just barely fit our hands and at times it was awkward. 

I love how Noah's fishbowl turned out. These adorable succulents are just broken off pieces from Em's yard (succulents will root just by sticking them in the ground) as well as the delicate ground cover in the bowl above. Look around, you don't need to buy all your plants from the nursery. We're not sure how the succulents will do long term in the jar, it's an experiment.

I can't tell you how much we love having these in the house, especially in the middle of winter when the garden outside is pretty blah. You can see all three here.

Comments

[Oona L]

~I have always been interested in making terrariums too and have been lately really thinking of them........that is funny I guess get minds think alike. Your look great. I take this as a sign and you just inspired my next project.........thanks. :)

[hazeljoy]

hmm, do you reckon a succulent-cactus plant might work? they look ace. i may just have found what i'm going to make today, on a sunny, cold saturday afternoon. cheers!

[emily]

they look great! i can't wait to see them in their natural habitat in your home. love em

[Julie]

Hi! Check out my succulent jar I just made last night on my blog! Your jars are really neat...I like that you did it with your kids! Good MOM!!!!! Yeah...loads of fun! My kids are all grown now, and I miss that kind of stuff!
www.asucculentlife.blogspot.com

[jen b]

those are so great. i think i should try this with my kiddos.

[capello]

i had terrarium fever last winter and bought a vessel, but no plants.

maybe this year i'll actually follow through.

[meg]

I made a few myself recently. they are addictive. You feel like you are making little worlds--I found a few tiny stray animals that are making their way into my terrariums.

[kari & kijsa]

Beautiful! the exact little pick me up for cold winter days!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

[gonzomama]

i've been wanting to make a terrarium for a while now. thanks for the motivation, inspiration, and book link. They look great and it's a perfect way for my little one to play in some dirt! thanks for sharing.

[Julie]

Check out the fairy garden I made today!

[Karin]

That is such a great activity to do in the winter! I have never made one before, but I'd like to. Sounds like it was fun for everyone!

[Molly]

We did this frequently when I was a tiny kid! My mom used those big glass water jugs(probably 20-gallon sized), oh they were beautiful jugs! She put the plants in with a coat-hanger that had been modified with a loop on one end. We'd put little ceramic frogs and snails in them too. Oh how I loved those terrariums!

[June]

What a wonderful project! I've not made a terrarium in years and really ought to try this again. Thank you for sharing your lovely result.

[Oona L]

~~Everyone must be getting into these. Martha even made them today on her show!!! Toni, you might have inspired Martha Stewart ;) you never know!!!

[SierraMoon]

love the idea of recycling glass bowls into tiny gardens ! and the first picture is awesome - I'd buy it as a postcard :)

[Michelle]

These are so beautiful, they put mine to shame!