One of the Garden Fairies has a Victorian style terrarium that make plant people swoon. This miniature menagerie was on display at Jodi’s house, a stop on The Garden Fairies’ 2009 Art in the Garden Tour. Jodi collects all types of plants from tiny to tall, she loves them all. Her most petite garden harkens back to Victorian excess, a gothic style metal enclosure that is brimming with color and texture. A feast for the eyes, this gothic style enclosure includes numerous succulents dotted with small exotic Bromeliads sporting vivid colors. Jodi is using a Garden Fairy color trick, using shocking pink to pop the rest of the more subdued colors. She also used some chartreuse green which pairs perfectly with vivid pinks.
Because Jodi lives in Florida and has her terrarium close to her pool she doesn’t use glass, which almost always defines a terrarium. If you are up north, go for the glass. But if you are in Florida, you already know half of the year you are living in terrarium-type conditions.
Jodi’s style of terrarium is called a Wardian Case, which can still be purchased today. Terrariums are available in all price ranges. The crafty website Etsy lists 555 terrarium choices including supplies and mini terrariums costing a few dollars to a $11,950 Biodome. Paula Hayes, a sculptor, prices her terrariums between $4,000-$60,000. Understandably, this might be out of your price range, but the good news is you can make your own terrarium.
Recently we received a question about where to buy succulents for terrariums. Lowes has a a new selection that will leave you lusting for more than you might be able to afford. The selection includes a dazzling array of textures and colors which are attractively labeled. You can also find succulents at some specialty garden shops. Garden Design magazine and CBS Sunday morning just did stories on terrariums, a thoroughly engaging hobby.
To find out more about Wardian Cases see our post with more info
For supplies check out:
For supplies and already made terrariums:
Etsy Terrariums
Buy succulents on the web at:
For more info about terrariums:
Garden Design magazine
CBS Sunday Morning Show story “The Growing Trend of Terrariums”
Siobhan, thanks for sharing and allowing me to share. My touch the Earth friends, many in Northern climates, are sharing your posts, too. Us Midwest gals have never seen such exotic and beautiful plantings and can’t thank you enough for sharing the enjoyment. I was never into doll houses, but this live menagerie makes me feel totally whimsical and happy.
Beautiful pictures, beautiful creations! Terrariums are making a big comeback. I had several when we were in high school and college here in Iowa. They were like miniature worlds. “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” were very popular at the same time. Playing in the terrarium, and fussing with the plants was an escape into fantasyland! My own little Middle Earth!
OK….you got me. Just returned from Lowes, Wal Mart and the pet store. Bought a large bowl (like a giant brandy sniffer without the stem) terrarium gravel, charcoal, planting soil, and plants. Will spend the next couple of days recreating my fantasy garden.