Are you tired of the same old flower box view? Have an eyesore of a tree stump? Could your tomato plants use a little magic? Sounds like you need fairies, but how do you attract them? Per Germanic and Celtic folklore, fairies enjoy offerings of honey, milk, or fruits. But so do ants and critters, so maybe not. They like shiny and sparkly things, but that also sounds like a great way to lure a jewelry kleptomaniac to your home.
An easier way to welcome these tiny creatures to your outdoor area is by creating a fairy garden! Besides being welcoming spaces designed to attract fairies, these gardens are pint-sized, whimsical additions that invite curiosity.
First things first: determine the location of your fairy garden. There is no wrong answer, but it will determine the type of plants and soil you can use successfully.
Next, you need a container. This is a whimsical fairy garden, so feel free to think outside the box. A teacup, bird cage, wheelbarrow, broken pot – the only requirement is that your vessel has drainage holes in the bottom. You should also consider the depth of your container to ensure there’s enough room for roots to grow.
An optional item that might be helpful: a theme. While a theme is certainly not required, it may help narrow down decisions such as containers, plants and which of the adorable teeny tiny accessories you’ll want to purchase.
Now that you’ve determined a location and container, it’s time to select your plants. In order to stay within the scale, you’ll want to choose dwarf or miniature varieties. Herbs, succulents and groundcovers are all great places to start. Make sure all the plants you choose enjoy the same amount of sunlight and water, lest your garden theme be Mad Max. The kind of dirt you need depends on the plants you are using.
If this seems more like a “how to plant plants in a container” than “how to create a fairy garden,” then I have good news: it’s time to choose your accessories. Miniatures can be found from craft and dollar stores to Amazon and Etsy.
Can’t quite find what you like? Make it yourself! Start with a small wooden birdhouse from a dollar store and add natural elements such as moss, twigs or bark to create delightful details. Have your kids create something with popsicle sticks, paint rocks or even contribute Legos and Polly Pockets. Use whatever you like – have fun!
Arrange your plants and accessories in the container on top of the soil and adjust your design. Don’t begin planting until you’re 100 percent satisfied and ready to commit.
The only limit to a whimsical fairy garden is your own imagination. Have a rather limited imagination? The interwebs are full of inspiration that can be stolen and improved upon or you can visit our friends at My Secret Garden in the Snellville Garden Center!
Sonya Harrison
Owner – My Secret Garden
1983 Main Street E. | Snellville