There are few things as enchanting to both children and adults as a fairy garden. It’s a magical mix of fairy tale, doll house and nature, set in a miniature garden. Each person’s imagination guides the design. When I decided to create one, I knew that my long-distance grandkids wouldn’t be able to see it in person. But guess what? The magic translates well to the video chat screen. Both of my long-distance grandkids ask to see it each time we talk, giving commentary as the little fairy garden grows. And who wouldn’t be thrilled to hear a granddaughter describe my fledgling efforts as, “The Fairy Garden of Love”?

What I hadn’t anticipated when I started this all, though, was just how addictive this craft could be. So I’d like to give you a little heads-up along with a smile. With apologies to Emily Dickinson and other real poets, I share the following:

GROWING A FAIRY GARDEN

Fairy gardens, just so sweet,
A place for grandparents and grands to meet.

I’m really hooked there’s no denying,
If it’s miniature, I know I’ll buy it!

Started out with fairies two,
But not long after the count grew!

How I pondered where should they go,
In garden mulch? Absolutely no!

They needed a space that felt just right,
Surrounded by plants and gems so bright.

And when day is done, they shouldn’t roam,
The little fairies, they needed a home.

If hunger strikes what would they eat?
Maybe some veggies or something sweet.

At first I thought, now they’re all set!
Except of course, they could use some pets.

Wait, STOP! This is all getting out of hand,
Didn’t I start this to share with the grands?

Well yes, that’s certainly true,
Now thinking about it… I’ll get them one, too!

CREATING A FAIRY GARDEN

Fairy garden design inspiration can be found in many books and websites.  For example, Pinterest is full of ideas. Also, I find this Facebook group great for real time help and suggestions – Fairy Garden Home. 

Supplies:

• Depending on your design, start with items from nature like: soil, rocks stones, pea gravel, branches, small plants.  (Additionally, this is a great opportunity to practice leaf identification).
• Look around your home for small stuff you can repurpose. Just remember it will be outside in all kinds of weather.
• For handmade items, you can use Sculpey oven baked clay. Great colors and easy to use.
• Figurines are also easy to find online. If you’re interested in the ones in the photos:
  Grandma and grandkid reading
  Little seated boy
  Boot house
  Cats

Tips:

• Consider the location. Remember, you’re going to be using a cell phone. At first, I placed the fairy garden on the ground. That didn’t go so well! To begin with, it was a little tricky to hold the phone so the grands could get a close up view. So then I tried to kind of lay down next to it. Not pretty. Consequently, I came up with this solution: a repurposed deli container on a bench. Perfect!
• Drainage is your friend. If you have a container without drainage holes, make sure you add them. After a good rain, my first attempt looked more like a fairy swimming pool.
• Think colorful. Bright colors work well on phone and computer screens. For example, when everything is browns and greens, objects can blend into each other.
• Involve your grandkids.  Ask them about things they would like you to add to the garden, either during the design phase or after.

Connections in Miniature

Fairy gardens are really fun to share with your grands. There’s always something new and interesting you can add to it. Whether you set one up indoors or outside, if we’ve inspired you to start a fairy garden (or if you have one already) let us know. We’d love to see a photo!