Wacky Wednesday: Gnome Gardens!

Create a Miniature Landscape in a Mason Jar!

A terrarium is a tiny garden planted inside a glass container. We love terrariums because they look like miniature storybook worlds that could be inhabited by gnomes or fairies. Below, we've included instructions for the basics of planting a terrarium. If you would like to learn more about the best types of plants to use and the science behind terrariums (they create their own water cycle!) we recommend this activity page from NASA's Climate Kids website. For information about plants that are especially ideal for closed terrariums, check out this article from Happy DIY Home. Let's get started!

---

Materials:

We have provided a very limited number of pre-made terrariums to take home and decorate this week. To make your own you will need:

• Large Mason jar
• Pebbles or pea gravel
• Potting soil
• A small plant (succulents work well!)
• Optional: Miniature embellishments such as small figurines, crystals, cool rocks, etc. 

These tiny objects from around the house are perfect for decorating a terrarium!

Instructions:

Step One: 

With a small enclosed terrarium like this one, drainage is very important. Layer the bottom of the Mason jar with some small stones to help the water drain away from the soil.

Step Two: ​

​Next, add a thin layer of soil on top of the stones. 

Step Three: ​​

Remove the small plant from its pot and place it in the Mason jar. Fill in the area around the plant with more soil, then top off the soil with another layer of stones.

Step Four: ​​

You can add some cute embellishments to your terrarium. Look around your house and see if you have any tiny objects that you can use to add a touch of whimsy!

Step Five: ​​

Place the ring part of the lid back on the Mason jar to give it a finished look, but make sure to leave the flat lid off so that the terrarium will have some airflow. Display your terrarium in a sunny spot, and occasionally water it with mist from a spray bottle.

Looking for more fun creative activities this summer? Use your Basalt Library card to access arts and crafts classes from CreativeBug!