Chronicle Four: Faerie Terrarium

A terrarium is an enclosed environment where plants can grow creating a miniature greenhouse effect. There are two basic types of terrariums: closed environment and open environment. In a closed environment the terrarium is sealed and it is an ecosystem unto itself that needs very little caring however, they do require occasional watering and moderate sunlight. An open environment terrarium is more common and is usually one where the top is open. As a child, for a science project I made a two-liter soda bottle terrarium. Instructions for bottle terrarium: cut the bottom piece and then cut a half inch vertical snip in one spot. Turn the piece around halfway and snip again. This will reattach the top and bottom of the bottle easy. Then slip the plastic top with cap onto base.Before beginning your project you should pick a theme. Such as a desert, rainforest, or magical themed environment. For example a fairy terrarium in which you can add small doll accessories or miniature statues. Another example would be a dragon or gargoyle environment using a mini statue, and a mix of creepy plants such as carnivorous plants and creeping moss.To begin you will need:- A large jar, fish bowl, aquarium, other clear container- Activated Charcoal- Potting Soil- Sand or gravel (such as pea or aquarium gravel) for drainage- Several small houseplants (see below)- AccessoriesPick miniature plants which will fit appropriately in container. Types of plants I recommend are: small ferns, african violets, any carnivorous plant, begonias (the small leaf versions), peacock plant, and rattlesnake plant. earth star, green earth star, rainbow star, magic carpet, creeping moss, prayer plant and persian shield.Types of items which you can use for decoration purposes includes, doll house accessories, or you can use natural items from the yard (such as bark, rocks, or nutshells) to make your own mini furniture. You may wish to use some gravel to make paths among the plants. You could also put mini figures or landmarks through the paths, and make little signs (using cardboard) stating each place (think up magical location names), post the signs into soil using a toothpick to glue at back, than you can arrange and display your statues as if they are continuing on a adventure journey. For example in front of a carnivorous plant a sign could read “Beware of man eating plant” or “Path to dragon’s lair”. I use mini garden statues which can be purchased in most stores. I also get natural moss, and broken small pieces of wood from outdoors to give a rustic outdoor display.Now that you have your needed items and have picked a theme for your craft you can get started. First you select an appropriate glass or plastic container. The container must be large enough to place your hand comfortably in and out. You may use a container with or without a lid. Large jars, large candy or soft drink bottles (which you can cut the top off), or even aquariums or gold fish bowls. Clean container out well. Make a drainage layer using 1 to 2 inches of gravel in bottom of container. Then add a thin layer of ground charcoal over gravel. Pour over layers potting soil at least two inches the height of container if not more. Select miniature plant mixes which all require the same care instructions. Taller plants should go in back of container, then shorter ones in the front. Water plants just a little and mist them with a spray bottle. Then place terrarium in a spot where sunlight is available. Check it every few weeks for water, with the greenhouse effect you don’t need to water the plants much. If too much moisture is held in container, temporarily lift the lid so it can escape. You will know when to water again by touching the soil. If it is dry, water it. If it feels damp, do not. If you manage to take appropriate care of your project, it should last for years.