Parma Park Hike, Santa Barbara

Parma Park hiking area is nestled within the epicenter of the Tea fire in Fall 2008. The fire began in the Tea Garden above Westmont College. It swept through the surrounding foothills and eventually jumped one of the local freeways.

Nearly one year later and the coastal sage scrub is adapting to life by the Pacific Ocean.

New shoots of leaves sprouted from the charred oak trunks.

Burnt bark split under new growth.

Even some of the locals are coming back to hang out.

Now that the overgrowth and the scrub had been burnt along with many of the native resinous chaparral plants small native flowers can spring up in the sun.

Some of these wildflowers may have not bloomed in years.

Soil Settlement in Terrariums

One of the easiest to procure and most useful tools for use to manage your terrariums is a bamboo skewer. When I add the gravel, charcoal, and soil layer to a new terrarium I always make sure to mash down through the layers with a bamboo skewer as I go. This helps to settle the layers into an even surface and prevent any air pockets. Air pockets won't hurt your terrarium as far as I can tell- but I have noticed that if you skip this step the layers will do it on their own eventually and the end result may not be the surface you originally anticipated.

As water seeps through the terrarium system it will level and condense the soil layers - so don't be stingy with the soil as it will "shrink" even further as time passes. I also use a bamboo skewer to poke around the inner circumference of the terrarium "wall" occasionally in order to prevent the soil from layering up as a bank against the glass. When the soil is allowed to bank up against the glass you are more likely to develop green algae on the side of the bottle- especially if the terrarium is too damp.

Sometimes when I am planning on making a terrarium soon but my new plants are in quarantine I will build the terrarium soil layers and let it sit sans plant for a few days or longer. The soil then has a chance to settle on its own and the ecosystem will actually get a head start in development.

See additional posts on terrarium maintenance

The Thriving Office Plant and Why it Unnerves Me

My office plant grows like a weed. I have heard tall tales of these kinds of plants growing tendrils that can wrap around the circumference of a whole room- and let me tell you- I am beginning to believe it. This plant is a total glutton in my east-facing office window and it is always ready for more water. It is now growing a tendril around my little succulent garden as though it means to cut off the sunlight from the poor little cacti as well.

Sometimes I can actually SEE it growing. I hear a sort of springing noise and look up and a new little leaf tendril is trembling like a newly born butterfly having popped out from a vine. I am always somewhat aghast as I think of plants growing as a kind of secret activity- something I can observe as an after effect but never in situ. It seems sacred and this brash office plant does it right in front of me.

In Tom Robbins' "Still Life with Woodpecker" he imagines what Seattle would look like if the invasive blackberry plants had full reign. I have always loved this illustration and whenever I am faced with a very invasive or proliferate plant (See Lauren vs. the Vines) I imagine the same thing. Long after we are gone these vines will cover everything we have done.

I think the only solution is to start trimming the long tendrils and starting them in new pots as cuttings. At the rate the thing grows my office will look like a jungle this time next year.

Moss Monday!

Barrels and Branches

My family was all abuzz over this article in Sunset magazine over Easter. Check out these talented gardeners at their nursery in Encinitas, CA at http://www.barrelsandbranches.com/site/. The girls grew up in the same area as I did and look to be about my age- it's inspiring to see girls my age doing something so fun and successful with gardening.

I love the decorative ideas for the garden. I actually do have some of that gorgeous blue glass slag I purchased at Lotusland.

I also absolutely love the idea of the window boxes as shelves for plants on the fence. I would love to try this in my yard but our fence is so old and haggard I'm afraid it couldn't hold the weight.

I can't wait to visit when I am down in SD again!

http://www.barrelsandbranches.com/site/

http://www.sunset.com/

Esque Terrarium for $800

Here's a very architectural terrarium- to say the least. For $800 I hope it's bigger than the photo intimates.

Esque Terrarium at Velocity Art and Design

http://www.velocityartanddesign.com/

Tools for Terrarium Maintenance

From Terrariums & Miniature Gardens (Sunset Books)

Decorating with Terrariums at Outside In

Cathy at outdoorsin.wordpress.com has a wonderful segment on terrariums as decorative elements at her website. Her terrariums are so artful and in such beautiful containers. It really inspires me to move my terrariums from under my desk in my room to other places in the house. Mine are so touchy though- every time I move one from one windowsill to another it seems to have a freak out.

http://outdoorsin.wordpress.com/

How to Make a Terrarium: Adding Plants

Adding Plants to your Terrarium

You may want to consider putting your plants on "quarantine" for a while before you plant them in a terrarium.  This observation period allows you to see if the plant might manifest any pests or mold.  For more information on how and why to quarantine plants see the post here.

Try to plant your largest plants first by digging a small hole with the bamboo skewer or spoon if you can reach. Plant the largest plant and add more soil if necessary and then work your way down in size. 

Have a plant with a big messy rootball?  Try gently "coning" the roots by rolling them in a piece of paper.  This should form the roots and soil into a narrower shape.

Remember: you can always add more plants to a healthy terrarium later but it is hard to remove them without making a mess and disrupting other plants.

Once you have added plants into the terrarium you'll want to mist down the soil with water (distilled is best).  Soil will need to remain damp throughout the life of your terrarium to support your plant growth.



Also think about creating a terrain for your terrarium. You can build little hills or cliffs by piling up the dirt. At the very end you can add decorative elements and I like to put some rocks and bark to create a natural look. Give it a good spritz of distilled water and if it is an open top I like to put some cloth on top to keep out gnats, dust etc. Place it in filtered light and you are good to go!

Previous post: How to Make a Terrarium: Adding Soil Layers

Happy Terrarium Friday

Kat Geiger at designspunk.com

Check out this stunning trunk show by Kat Geiger, as featured at designspunk.com They are amazing terrariums and I sure wish I could attend the show. If only I were up in the Oakland area!

http://www.designspunk.com/

and for sale here at www.GreenUnderGlass.etsy.com

Carnivorous Plants at Petpitcher.com

Petpitcher.com is an excellent reference point for carnivorous plants. I had a beautiful little carny plant - I think it was a drosera- it was great fun for a while and was even sending out pups but I killed it by trying to transplant it. One time I heard a general rule for carnivorous plants: if they look happy DON'T move them. I think that was true with mine.

Speaking of carnivores I have a new little predator pet. His debut photo shoot is still in the works.... ;)

http://www.petpitcher.com/

The Fern and Mossery in a Crafty Blog Carnival

gotalittlespacetofill included one of my How To Make a Terrarium posts at a crafty blog carnival. What a great bunch of ideas- sure to make a slow afternoon fly by!


http://gottalittlespacetofill.blogspot.com/

Magical Terrariums at cookiemag.com

Check out this slide show of stunning themed terrariums. Cookiemag.com is geared towards "stylish" family topics- whatever that means. Apparently these themed terrariums are for kids- but I must say they are artfully arranged, tastefully whimsical and definitely inspiring.

The website also has a concise how-to on making terrariums. I think the photography is the true highlight of both these articles.

http://www.cookiemag.com

Aquarium for Betta Fish

Thanks to a tip from Calamity J. on my post about - I think I have revived his aquarium set up a bit! The use of the term "terrarium" is a little loose- its just some marbles, charcoal and a plant in a bowl. At C.J.'s suggestion I added some fungal drops after scrubbing down his bowl and marbles. He looks happy and alert already and seems to be using his fins more.

Chutney the Betta Fish

A Xeriscape-Friendly Green Roof

I see lovely photos of green roofs with moss, ferns etc. all over the web. As much as I love the idea I know that the dry climate in southern California would most likely not support such a garden - and if it did grow it would surely be a water-hog.

Lo and behold: Quail Botanical Gardens had a lovely demo of rooftop gardens created with succulents! Green and drought- friendly! I am truly inspired but I think this is one project my landlord might not trust me with- he is pretty protective of his roofs.

How to Grow a Terrarium at HowStuffWorks.com

HowStuffWorks.com has a great article on how to make a terrarium. The image in the article is more of a Wardian case but there is some helpful information in the article.

There is a good reference to some tools you can make to create and maintain your terrarium.

* Use a fork taped to a chopstick or an artist’s paintbrush to make planting holes for terrarium plants.

* Set plants in place with another chopstick fitted with a small wire hook or loop. In containers with wide openings, you can use tweezers or tongs.

* Tap down the soil around plant roots with a cork or spool attached to a stick. When you’re done, lightly spray the plants and soil surface with water.

HowStuffWorks.com "How to Grow a Terrarium"

How to Make a Terrarium: Adding Soil Layers

Pebbles
The first layer in your terrarium should be pebbles. This will ensure proper circulation of water throughout the system. I like to add some glass as well. I normally try to add about 1 inch of drainage material to a terrarium. Use a bamboo skewer to level the pebbles in the container.






Activated Charcoal
Add your activated charcoal next. If the opening to your terrarium container is narrow try rolling a piece of paper into a cone and pouring the charcoal in through the cone. You only need enough charcoal to lightly cover the pebble layer.

Sphagnum Moss
Now it is time to layer your small bits of soaked and dried sphagnum moss to the terrarium. The bits of moss should be no larger than the opening of your terrarium container. Try to completely cover the pebbles and charcoal as the moss will act as a filter and keep soil from drifting into your bottom layers. This layer is optional- if you prefer to have your charcoal and pebbles mix up in your soil you can leave this step out. Use a bamboo skewer to tamp the moss down.

Soil

Mix two parts potting mix with one part sand to ensure proper drainage.   If your terrarium is on the small side (decorative bottle rather than aquarium), you may want to increase the amount of sand and decrease the amount of soil. Add distilled water to make damp but it is easier to transfer to terrarium when it is dry. Remember - you can always add more water to your final terrarium but it is difficult to remove!


You are now ready to add your soil. You should have enough soil to fill about 1/4 to 1/3 of your terrarium container. I would recommend using about 1/2 of the portion you have set aside for your terrarium and then adding the rest after you have planted your largest terrarium plants. Add the soil by scooping spoonfuls into your paper cone and tamping down with a skewer.

Once you have layered your dirt into the terrarium you'll want to mist down the soil.  Soil will need to remain damp throughout the life of your terrarium to support your plant growth.

This is the second post in my series "How to Make a Terrarium"
Previous Post: Materials and Tools

Next Post: Adding Plants

VivaTerra Terrariums

Thanks to EcoSalon for this feature on VivaTerra.com highlighting these pear-shaped commercial terrariums. The glass container is certainly unique but I am not sure how well tillandsia would handle the environment (?)

They are also a little pricey for some sand and some $4 plants but.... that's just my opinion! They certainly would make a great centerpiece.

http://www.vivaterra.com

Wine Bottle Terrarium

How to Make a Terrarium: Materials and Tools

 
Glass Containers
The containers you choose to use should be clean (rinsed with a few drops bleach in water and dried upside down) and bone dry. If you get impatient and try to work with a container with moisture still in it clean up will be more difficult later. Other than that- use your imagination! Use wine bottles, vases, tiny bottles, bowls, containers with lids- anything! If the glass vessel has an open top think of how you may want to cover it sometimes to create a moisture lock. Sheets of plexiglass, plant dishes and even dishware plates can work.

Soil Mixture
Mix two parts potting mix with one part sand to ensure proper drainage.  If your terrarium is on the small side (decorative bottle rather than aquarium), you may want to increase the amount of sand and decrease the amount of soil.  Add distilled water to make damp but it is easier to transfer to terrarium when it is dry. Remember - you can always add more water to your final terrarium but it is difficult to remove! Make sure you have enough of the mixture to fill 1/4 to 1/3 of each terrarium you plan to make.

Once you have layered your dirt into the terrarium you'll want to mist down the soil with water (distilled is best).  Soil will need to remain damp throughout the life of your terrarium to support your plant growth.

Pebbles
Pebbles, small rocks or small pieces of glass can all be used for the rock layer in your terrarium. Get creative but make sure all items can fit down the neck of your glass container- a piece of glass stuck halfway down can pose a problem for removal!

Activated Charcoal
Charcoal is an essential element in terrarium making to ensure the ecosystem stays "sweet." You can buy activated charcoal at any aquarium supply location. The charcoal is often "dusty" so I normally pour a small amount on a paper towel to catch some of the dust. If you pour charcoal directly from the bag into your container the dust will cling to the sides of the container- and find any moisture that may be in the bottle.

Damp Spaghnum Moss
Soak some spaghnum moss over night in tap water and squeeze dry. The spaghnum moss will act as a filter between your soil layers and charcoal, and is optional. Tear the pieces into sizes about the diameter of your container opening.

Decorative Items
Decorative items are of course optional. Be choosy- I think the kitsch pieces can really detract from the beauty of the plants. I like to use glass marbles and tumbled glass. Other options are small sculptures, twigs etc. Be wary of introducing an item from nature (like a lichen twig, etc.) that may introduce foreign bacteria into the system. If you can- incubate the item for a while and observe if mold grows.

Plants
Don't be afraid to use juvenile plants in your container. You will find that they will grow fast in the ideal condition of a terrarium so I always try to err on the side of caution and use plants sparingly in a young terrarium. Also remember that it is always easy to add moss and small plants to the terrarium later, once it has settled a bit. 

I also strongly recommend that you quarantine plants from nurseries or nature for a period of a week or more.  Any live stow-aways will surface, you can observe if the plant takes to terrarium conditions and if the plant is diseased you can dispose of it without fishing it out of a small terrarium.  Some how-tos may suggest rinsing the plant with a little bleach or dish soap first as well.  This is your call- I find a normal water rinse on foliage before a one-week incubation is normally fine.  The one exception is moss!  You must wash your moss (See post on how to wash moss and why here).

Tools
Tools I absolutely recommend and will use in this demo are: bamboo skewers, several sheets of clean white paper, distilled water in spray bottle, spoon, serrated knife and scissors. These are the bare basics. Other suggested items you might not have around the house are: large tweezers (from surgical supply store or craft supply), pipe cleaners taped to bamboo skewers to use to clean inside of bottle, and a small piece of foam stuck on a bamboo skewer to use as a tamper. I'll delve more into tools and how to make them in another post.

This is the first post in my series "How to Make a Terrarium"
Next Post: Adding Soil Layers

Mystery plant.

Here is a non macro photo of the plant I posted a photo of last night. I had a lot of questions on what it is (exactly) and I don't know! I picked it up as a hanging plant at a generic plant store and it wasn't named. It has beautiful silvery-purple variegated leaves and it's stems are almost succulent like. It loves my balcony and is quite frankly outgrowing it's hanging pot. These are some cuttings I hope to propagate and put in the ground!

Dunecraft Terrarium Kits

Check out Dunecraft.com for adorable terrarium and plant related kits, geared towards kids but I want all of them! The Irish "lucky clover" micro terrarium is great!

But I'm fairly sure I absoluteley need the "Witches' Wood" kit ASAP: "Grow legendary witches' plants with this new, enchanting terrarium! This mystical garden contains plants used to make flying potions, ward off the Evil Eye, attract money, and help to see the future. Witches' Woods also contains plants used in love charms, healing rituals, hex-breaking, and much more! This kit comes with everything needed to create your own bewitching garden, including five color seed packs, witches' stakes, decals, glow in the dark bugs, a planting terrarium, lava rock, a giant spider and more!"

Check out dunecraft.com website here!

Bottle terrarium

Climate Management in Terrariums

This is an excellent illustration of a healthy ecosystem created in a terrarium that has a small open top. The air will circulate more in an open-t than in a closed-top terrarium and the water cycle circulates nicely.

The Sunset Terrarium Book

Terrariums at The Fern and Mossery

Email Lauren at The Fern and Mossery