When creating a fairy garden, choosing the right container is an important decision. The container holds the soil and plants that will make up your miniature garden, so it needs to meet certain requirements to help your garden thrive. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of different fairy garden container options to help you select the best one for your needs. We will cover factors like drainage, weight, material, size and style. Read on for tips to guide you in picking the perfect fairy garden planter.
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What is a Fairy Garden?
A fairy garden is a miniature garden that uses small scale plants, accessories and structures to create a whimsical tiny world. They are usually planted in containers and feature components like miniature furniture, pathways, ponds and decorations to complete the fairy-like scene. Fairy gardens allow you to flex your creativity and design a magical, enchanting space that adds beauty and imagination to your home or yard. They can be placed indoors or outdoors. When planning your fairy garden, the container is one of the most fundamental decisions you will make since it determines the base of your garden.
Key Considerations for Fairy Garden Containers
When shopping for a fairy garden container, keep the following factors in mind:
Drainage
Excellent drainage is crucial for a thriving fairy garden. You don’t want water pooling in the bottom of the container, which can lead to root rot and other problems. Look for planters with drainage holes or slots built into the bottom that will allow excess water to escape. If your container does not have pre-made drainage holes, you can drill some yourself. Elevating the planter slightly can also improve drainage.
Weight
Since fairy gardens are often moved around to different locations, lighter weight containers are ideal. Heavy planters will be difficult to transport. Look for options made from lighter materials like resin, plastic, fiberglass, polyresin or hypertufa. Avoid thick ceramic or concrete planters which get very heavy.
Material
Fairy garden planters come in a wide range of materials:
- Plastic – inexpensive and lightweight but can look cheap
- Resin – affordable, lightweight, durable and realistic looking
- Ceramic – attractive but very heavy and prone to breaking
- Concrete – long lasting but extremely heavy
- Wood – natural appeal but can rot over time
- Wire baskets – good drainage but may need liner and decorating
- Wicker/rattan – elegant but more delicate over time
- Galvanized metal – eye catching and durable but can heat up in sun
- Hypertufa – handmade stone look without the weight
Choose a material that is lightweight yet durable and aesthetically pleasing for your garden.
Size
How much space do you have for your fairy garden? Make sure to pick a container size proportionate to your setting. Tiny pots around 2-6 inches work well for desktop or tabletop gardens. Medium pots in the 6-12 inch range allow for a bit more flexibility. For a full scale garden, larger planters in the 12 inch or higher range give you ample room. Scale down the plants and accessories to match your container size. It is easier to start with a larger container and then downsize if needed.
Style
There are endless style options when it comes to fairy garden planters. Consider the overall theme or mood you want for your garden, and choose a container that enhances it. Rustic, organic pots work well for woodland fairy gardens. Pretty ceramic planters match a romantic English garden look. For a magical ambiance, try containers shaped like castles, unicorns or mushrooms. Let your creativity run wild!
Best Containers for Fairy Gardens
Now that we’ve covered how to select an ideal fairy garden container, let’s look at some of the best options.
Teacups
Vintage teacups or tea pots create charming containers for fairy gardens. These whimsical pieces already match the fairy garden mood. Look for containers with saucers to help hold soil and water. Drill extra drainage holes if needed. The openings of teapots can act as built in trellises for climbing plants. Small teacups work for mini gardens while large teapots can hold full-scale gardens.
Bowls
Bowls make great fairy garden planters because of their open shape, ample space and depth for soil. Look for lightweight metal, wood or ceramic bowls. Bowls with wide flat bases provide stability. Adding pebbles, moss or twigs can help with drainage in bowls without holes. Shallow dishes work for holding tiny plants while deeper bowls allow more elaborate garden designs.
Buckets
Metal pails and buckets lend a rustic, vintage feel perfect for fairy gardens. Look for galvanized tin buckets or wooden buckets. Make sure to drill drainage holes. The metal handles make these containers easy to transport. Miniature watering cans also work well. For extra charm, line your pail with moss or gravel.
Birdcages
For a whimsical fairy garden, turn a decorative birdcage into your planter. The cage structure adds beautiful architectural detail. Look for cages with wider openings and bases to hold plants, soil and decorations. Line the bottom with pebbles or moss before filling with potting mix. Choose wire cages with 1/2″ spacing between bars to allow plants to grow through. Hang your birdcage planter for an enchanting suspended garden.
Wagons
Old toy wagons or wheelbarrows make charming fairy garden containers. The quintessential garden wagon overflows with visual appeal. Look for good drainage holes before filling with soil. Elevate your wagon slightly to improve drainage. Mini watering cans, buckets or gardening tools placed inside enhance the theme. Wagon planters are best suited for outdoor fairy gardens.
Terrariums
For an enclosed fairy garden, use a glass terrarium container. Terrariums allow you to create a tiny world under glass. Select terrariums with wider openings to allow room for designing and planting. Make sure to choose small-scale plants suitable for terrarium growing conditions. Leave the top open or ventilated to prevent excess moisture buildup.
Lanterns
Turn glass, metal or wire hanging lanterns into quaint fairy garden containers. Use lanterns with wider openings to hold small plants. Make sure to line the lantern with plastic or moss before filling with potting soil to contain the mess. Hanging lantern gardens add vertical interest indoors or out.
Unconventional Container Ideas
Looking for a unique fairy garden vessel? You are only limited by your creativity! Some fun out-of-box container ideas include:
- Teapots or kettles – drill drainage holes
- Conch shells – use as planter bowls
- Hats – line with plastic before filling
- Boots – ideal for succulents
- Seashells – use for tiny plants
- Bottles – attach top planter to bottom base
- Wood stumps – natural looking
- Baskets – line with moss or plastic
- Colanders – great drainage!
- Cups or mugs – whimsical mini gardens
Let your imagination run wild with your fairy garden vessel! The more creative the better.
Planting and Caring for Container Fairy Gardens
Once you’ve selected the perfect fairy garden container, it’s time to plant! Follow these tips for a healthy and thriving garden:
- Fill bottom 1/3 of pot with drainage material like pebbles, gravel or wood chips
- Cover drainage layer with landscape fabric to keep soil in place
- Use a quality potting mix, not garden soil which can contain diseases
- Mix in a slow release fertilizer to feed plants over time
- Arrange plants from largest to smallest, keeping scale in mind
- Add pathway materials like moss or tiny pebbles
- Include tiny accessories like furniture, fairies, bridges etc
- Water when soil is partially dry, taking care not to overwater
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during growing season
- Prune and trim plants when needed to keep them small
- Replant if plants outgrow container or die
- Protect from harsh weather by moving container indoors
Caring for your fairy garden will involve much of the same care as any container garden. Pay close attention to watering, fertilizing, pruning and pest management. Your tiny plants will thrive under the right conditions. Relax and enjoy as your fairy garden comes to life! Adding new elements and plants keeps it evolving.
Best Plants for Fairy Garden Containers
What plants work best in fairy garden containers? Look for these varieties that do well scaled down in miniature gardens:
| Plants | Details |
|---|---|
| Moss | Creates beautiful carpets and pathways. Choose mood moss, Irish moss, etc. |
| Succulents | Low maintenance, tiny varieties like hens and chicks |
| Dwarf conifers | Evergreen minis like dwarf hinoki cypress |
| Miniature ferns | Add delicate, lacy textures like bird’s nest fern |
| Petite flowers | Mini versions of violas, begonias, ivy, impatiens |
| Slow growing groundcovers | Sweet woodruff, Irish moss, creeping jenny |
| Dwarf grasses | Finely textured options like Japanese forest grass |
| Trailing plants | Spiller plants like creeping thyme or ivy |
Focus on tiny varieties of plants that will stay proportional in your fairy garden. Slow growing, trailing and miniature selections are ideal.
Conclusion
Creating a fairy garden provides endless opportunities for imagination and wonder. Selecting the perfect container is an important first step, setting the foundation for your mini garden. Evaluate factors like drainage, weight, materials, size and style when shopping for a planter. Consider unexpected vessels like teacups, birdcages and wagons to add whimsy. Include small scale plants suited to container growing. With proper planting and care, your fairy garden container will flourish indoors or out. Let your creativity and vision guide you as you cultivate a magical, miniature world! The container possibilities are endless when designing your fairy garden oasis.