Creating a Fairy Garden

Fairy Gardens are dish gardens with small figurines to form a miniature landscape. And, they're a fun activity to do with children. This segment shows step-by-step instructions on how to create your own fairy garden.

Produced by the Department of Communications at Kansas State University. For more information, visit our website at: http://www.kansasgreenyards.org

Transcript:
Creating a Fairy Garden

We’re going to start with a birdbath. It keeps the plants high, and you can keep it outside during the summer months, and bring it inside for the winter months. Since there is no hole in the bottom, you’ll need to start with a layer of charcoal. This keeps the excess water sweet and clean.

Next, fill the container about three-fourths full with a well-drained potting mix. I usually start with one large focal point. This is a Topiary Dwarf Euonymus. As with all transplants, you’ll need to loosen the root ball. Start by planting it off center.

Then add in the mid-range sized material. This is a Button Maiden Haired Fern. With a lot of your potted plants, you can also flair the root zone out. After planting, tamp the soil back in place.

Next, we’ll start with some of the low edging material. This is Baby’s Tears. And, this is a hybrid philodendron. You’ll notice that I’m mounding the soil higher than the rim. It keeps the crown of the root ball up above the water level to improve drainage and plant health.

I’ll continue to put plants around it to dress it up. This one is called Purple Passion. Next, I’ll start with the decorative rock and moss to cover up the soil. Then, I’ll add the accents such as this little fairy.

It’s important when working with transplants to water them in by gently and evenly spreading the water around.

Fairy gardens are a fun activity to do with children. For more information, visit your county extension office or visit our website at KansasGreenYards.org

This feature story prepared with Joe Zarda, Family Tree Nursery, and Gregg Eyestone, Kansas State University Research and Extension Horticulture Agent, Riley County.