fairy gardens

I've just discovered fairy gardens. Slow, I know.


What a delightful way to captivate the imaginations of young children!

A fairy garden can be in a small patch of garden bed, or they are just as effective in a largish pot or planter, making them ideal for smaller spaces. 

Take a look at this one from The Magic Onions:


Fairy Gardens don't have to be elaborate or even permanent.



I like this arrangement of different sized pots at different levels:


Fairy gardens work best alongside already established small plants or herbs, to create some atmosphere. 

Planting suggestions include:

• lavendar
• rosemary
• sage
• chives
• geranium
• fuchia
• asparagus ferns
• mosses, lichen 
• african violets.

Imagine laying out a blanket next to the fairy garden with a basket containing special treasures such as smooth pebbles or coloured glass to inspire the children to add their own touches to the garden.

Or perhaps some dinosaurs, small animal figures or dolls furniture to inspire imaginative play.

Have you created a fairy garden?  Did you have one as a child?