For some time it sat like this on the dining room table. I felt a little guilty every time I saw those tiny plants just sitting there, especially since they fell victim to my forgetting to water them very quickly. The tiny pots they came in didn't leave much room for error and they dried out quickly, so before they died I started trying to figure out how to plant them.
I tried several different things out, but nothing was deep enough for the plants, yet low enough to look right inside the terrarium. That was until I saw the plastic shoebox sized container that was sitting empty in the laundry room. I filled the bottom couple of inches with gravel and filled the rest with potting soil. I then used moss from the craft store to cover the sides. The plants showed signs of new growth within a week. I still plan to do a little more with the "decor" but haven't decided what yet.
Which brings me to this guy. I'm not against gnomes, in fact there are some that live in our back garden hidden under shrubs. Actually I don't really get why some people are so against them, really when you have young kids they have fun looking for them. But I'm not sure they belong in a terrarium. This little guy seems to have something for the fairy inside the terrarium and even brought her this little flower.
You can see the fairy of his dreams just inside the terrarium here, but I'm just not sure a fairy and a gnome would be safe together trapped inside a terrarium.
I tried to get a picture of the terrarium from the side, but the lighting was tricky and the only picture that turned out was this one, with the gnome.
So whether you're pro-gnome or anti-gnome I think for now this guy will need to find another place to live. I just can't bring myself to have one in the terrarium.
You did a great job with the plants Catherine. I have always loved these terrariums and the little gnome is cute!
ReplyDeleteOh dear. It sounds like the making of an unfulfilled love story. The beautiful fairy is locked away in a paradise not knowing of the gnome's love...
ReplyDeleteG'eve Catherine ~ What a wonderful terrarium & gnome keeping watch. Mother always had a gnome in her potted plants.
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful eve ~
TTFN ~
Marydon
Catherine, the terrarium looks great. It looks vintage which makes it even more special. I have a cast iron one that my aunt had in the form of a Chicago bungalow and did have plants in it at one time. You have inspired me to look at it again and maybe replant it. I think the gnomes are just fine very whimsical.
ReplyDeleteEileen
That terrarium is adorable and so is the gnome. Personally, I don't get why people hate gnomes either. I think they are cute. I blogged about a new gnome movie. http://nycgardening.blogspot.com/2011/01/can-this-be-any-cuter.html
ReplyDeleteWell he looks cute enough outside to the terrarium. Great idea on using the shoebox to plant the plants!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you've planted up your terrarium, Catherine. It will be interesting to see how it develops once the plants really settle down and create their own little micro-climate in their glass home. A real fairy garden indoors!
ReplyDeleteKrásný skleník...
ReplyDeleteYour terrarium looks great! I think the gnome fits but might be happier living in a more open place
ReplyDeleteCatherine,you've given me an idea. Planting terraiums would give me an opportunity to have houseplants and not have Butterscotch destroy them. Thanks for all the helpful hints.
ReplyDeleteGnomes....I can take them or leave them, but yours is irresistible. So are you and your blog.
donna
My goodness they have improved the look of terrariums! I'm with the Gardener on Sherlock Street... It has to be love for the Gnome and the ferries. If TV is correct (what are the odds?) than the Gnome already has a hotel.
ReplyDeleteRainforest in a box, what a nice winter project!
That terrarium is beautiful! I love the distressed look and the beautiful glass on the roof.
ReplyDeleteI think your terrarium looks great! I'm a huge fan myself. I have a few that are looking for some gnomes or fairies or something else... I haven't quite figure out what I want to have "live" in there with the plants. But your plants and the moss look fantastic! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness! Your plants don't need any competition. Is that a jewel-leaf orchid I see in there?
ReplyDeleteIt is so funny that you posted this - I was just looking online at window terrariums. I plan to build one this spring. Great job!
ReplyDeleteLOV'N IT!!! Love gnomes too!
'hugs from afar'
What a beautiful terrarium! I just love this. Please let us know where the gnome ends up.
ReplyDeleteDear Catherine, I love the terrarium and feel that you have done wonderfully well in planting it up since that is quite a tricky process to get right. Although I do like the shabby chic look of the terrarium I should be tempted to paint it and I love the addition of the gnome...such fun!!
ReplyDeleteYou did a wonderful job Catherine planting your terrarium. I think it is just so pretty. It is ideal for the fairies to live.I am sure the littlest gardener can find a good spot for the cute little gnome. Maybe he will visit with the fairies at the little door. LOL! I think he is sweet.
ReplyDeleteLove the Gnome. Really do. Part of the "fun" of gardening. Jack
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome gift. I love it. You've got your new terrarium planted up really nicely. I bet if you hold Mr. Gnome up to your ear he'll tell you where he'd like to be perched. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with everyone's comments, you did a great job. I didn't realize how large the terrarium is until you placed it next to the gnome and furniture. I love that old rustic look on furniture. It will be fun to see this picture later on when the plants have grown. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI love creating stories about gnomes and enjoy painting their adventures, but I must agree, your terrarium is far to beautiful to have the little guy gain entrance. But I do like your story on the love affair. You should give updates on later posts.
ReplyDeleteYour terrarium is so unique---what a nice husband. I find it interesting that people need to take a stand on other people's garden art. My mother always said: "If you don't have anything nice....
ReplyDeleteI love that terrarium, I have never seen one like it. It looks like you have it growing great now and by all means put the gnome in!
ReplyDeleteAnd it looks fantastic the way it's planted! Maybe some of those little nests or birdhouses that have posts you could stick in there to give it some height interest???
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I love this post! First of all, I've had a terrarium (I didn't even know what it was called) that I picked up at the Goodwill a while back and it's hiding in a corner because I had no idea what to do with it. Plants..DUH! And that was so creative what you did with the moss on the outside of the box, perfect! And don't even get me started on gnomes, well I guess you already did. I love me some gnomes! Gnomes, fairies, little hidden trinkets in the garden. They're all so whimsical and childlike. I love it! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThe poor gnome....over protective mother of the Fairy....love your plantings here...
ReplyDeleteAwww, this is like a Brother's Grimm tale and the gnome is on a quest for his true love (though a lovely jungle -- nice terrarium)!
ReplyDeleteWould love to have a terrarium like yours.
ReplyDeleteIt's so different...good job hubby !
I failed miserably at my terrarium attempts last winter. The first time around everything molded. The second time, I over-corrected and under-watered so it all dried out. I'm sure there is a magic formula?? Yours is very attractive ~ I think you did a great job planting it and using the lid was genius! I was just admiring one that looks very similar in the Pottery Barn catalog. Did they have orchids planted in theirs??
ReplyDeleteYou've done a beautiful job with the terrarium Catherine.
ReplyDelete