Terrarium from Apple Mouse Packaging

Apple Mouse Packaging Terrarium from snarkyvegan.wordpress.com

I am really entranced by this sleek re-purposed container terrarium.  The snarkyvegan used the packaging from an Apple mouse to create a Baby's Tears terrarium.  Note that she used that white liner layer of the packaging to separate the top of the soil from the open part of the terrarium "for an especially Apple-clean appearance."  I love it!

See more at snarkyvegan.wordpress.com.

Teacup Terrarium

Teacup Terrarium from homedit.com

A clear teacup makes a cute open terrarium at homedit.com.

Terrarium Instructable by Four Ferns

From a terrarium Instructable by Four Ferns

Here's a short and sweet terrarium Instructable by Four Ferns.  However Four Ferns doesn't use damp sphagnum moss to separate the soil from the charcoal layer nor does s/he suggest a drainage layer of pebbles.  The drainage layer of pebbles, glass etc. is essential for a long lasting terrarium to allow water a place to "rest" after filtering through the soil.  Without a drainage layer you may force the roots of your plant to sit in rotten soggy soil. And to keep your drainage layer "pretty" use a damp sphagnum moss to act as a filter to prevent muddy soil running down into your rocks.

For more information about the soil layers I recommend for a healthy, sustainable and attractive terrarium see step 2 of my how-to guides: Adding Soil Layers.

New Economics Moss Graffiti by Anna Garforth

Moss graffiti by Anna Garforth / http://www.crosshatchling.co.uk/

A few weeks ago I posted about using moss shakes to apply moss to a surface to encourage it to grow.  At that time I didn't have a photo of moss graffiti in action.

Thanks to Heather at shadesoftangerine.blogspot.com for sharing the link to this beautiful full-grown moss graffiti by Anna Garforth.  You can see more of Garforth's artwork at her website http://www.crosshatchling.co.uk/.

Originally spotted at designmom.com.

Cupcake Holders for Terraria?

Cupcake holder from http://www.weddingwarehouse.us/

Thanks to my friend Gennie for sending along the link to these cute "cupcake holders."  These would make cute mini-bell-jar terrariums and are priced at $16.98/4-count and a deeper discount for larger purchases.  See http://www.weddingwarehouse.us/ for more info.

Moss Monday: Fairy Bridge at the Isle of Man

Photo of the "real" Fairy Bridge, Isle of Man, from http://tanyahighet.blogspot.com/2012/03/manx-wildflower-guide.html

I'm sure there is some moss in there somewhere.  As I had the good fortune to have this past Saturday off work to go to the renaissance faire outside of Austin this weekend I am unduly attracted to things of fairy and fay at the moment.  Pray tell what is the "real" fairy bridge of the Isle of Man?  Apparently not a fairy-haunted bridge but a Mooinjer Veggey haunted bridge.  From Wikipedia:

A superstition is to greet the fairies (an English term for the Mooinjer Veggey; never called fairies or ferrish by the Manx and not of similar disposition to the English fairies) when crossing the fairy bridge; it is supposedly unlucky not to.

In the 1970s and 1980s is was reportedly the usual fashion to advise a visitor of the myth on the journey south from Douglas or North from the Airport, timing the story such that one was required to say "Good morning Fairies!" just as the teller and his guest(s) began crossing the Fairy Bridge. This would subsequently be repeated by the same or other tellers, leaving visitors perplexed as to the tellers' beliefs.

Score and Solder Terrarium Vessels

Quartz No. 1 Terrarium by Score + Solder

Sigh.  File these lovelies under my ultimate wish list.  Matthew Cleland of makes these one of a kind soldered terrarium cases in BC Canada and they are available for order at his site scoreandsolder.com.

If these lovelies are out of your price range you can try combing second hand shops for soldered jewelry or display cases.   I have found a few such items in the past but there are no guarantees about rust or water-tightness with old cases!

To Shake or Not to Shake: Moss and Buttermilk

Photo by Andrea Bellamy at Heavy Petal

I recently answered some questions about adding sugar, buttermilk or beer to moss to encourage it to grow.  DON'T add these liquids to moss you will put in a terrarium or other enclosed growing environment.  The sugars involved will likely cause fungus or attract pests.

So where does this moss quasi-myth come from?  My best guess is the use of beer, buttermilk or sugar water to jumpstart the growth of moss in a shake or moss tea.  In this process you collect moss, blend or chop it up and mix with a sugary liquid to encourage the outdoor growth of moss, such as on a wall or between stones in a garden path.  The bits of moss regenerate and supposedly grow a nice even layer of new moss.

If you are interested in learning more about making and using a moss shake check out this excellent tutorial by Andrea Bellamy at Heavy Petal "Operation: Moss Graffiti."

Miniature Garden Shoppe

Photo from Miniature Garden Shoppe

Thanks to reader Jaime for sharing a link to the Miniature Garden Shoppe.  Although these wee gardens are not enclosed in glass they share much of the whimsical charm of a terrarium.  Jaime also notes: 

"They do have a small selection of plants suitable for terrariums, as well as all sorts of neat miniature things to add that I have had quite a hard time finding elsewhere."

I love the tiny fences and garden accouterment - squee mini wheelbarrow!

Black Swan Garden Design Bottle Terraria

From Black Swan Gardens Blog

I love this swiss cheese looking plant in this bottle terrarium! Does anyone recognize that plant?  And the little figurine is adorable.  See more at http://blackswangardens.blogspot.com.

Ikea Wardian Case

IKEA Socker Greenhouse

At $20 this IKEA Socker Greenhouse is priced right to make a great container for your more sensitive plants in need of a humid environment.  Thanks to Alyssa for the tip!