INNER GARDENS

[article by Mykel Newton from Botanic Gifts]

You may have noticed the blooming movement of terrariums popping up in various gardening & furnishing catalogs, home décor magazines, online and even locally. Just search the word “Terrarium” to find 2,160,000 hits for the topic. The renewed interest is a direct result of our culture's progress toward greener living and indoor gardening.

Believe it or not, it is a craft that has been around for over 175 years. It all began in the 1820’s by Nathaniel Ward, an English physician, who had a passion for Botany and by accident discovered ferns growing in dirt at the bottom of an enclosed glass jar. Ward pursued his discovery and by the 1860’s, the Wardian case began to transform into works of art. Every Victorian household in the United States was not without a miniature elaborate pavilion full of living plants. In the 1960s & 1970s, terrariums made a strong presence. Like the fashions of the time, they were awkward and peculiar designed in old milk jugs, fish tanks, and water jugs.

The use of terrariums for horticulture has never ceased since the development of them 175 years ago. Horticulturists still use them to this day as they create their own biosphere allowing the grower to provide adequate growing conditions for their specimen. It is for that reason that “Terrariums” make such a wonderful, easy indoor gardening solution. The environment in which they are planted allows for moisture to be captured within the glass jar - thus resulting in less water, less frequently. A novice gardener can look like a master.

Today, it’s as if they’ve come full circle. They have the elegance of the Victorian era with an organic spirit. They make a wonderful gift or a delightful project. Terrariums can be open or closed. The more enclosed the container the less watering it will require.

What makes a terrarium enchanting is how it’s planted, nurturing it, and watching it flourish. From the occasional do it yourselfer to those devoted to the craft, building terrariums is building a piece of art. There are no cookie cutter designs. Every terrarium is unique. They come in all forms: cloche, apothecary jar, fish bowls, glass wall bubbles, and even glass vials planted with moss to hang around your neck. The fun of it is finding unique containers, exotic plants, and building a story within each vessel. What’s more enjoyable is watching the expressions and listening to the observer as they look closely finding all the intricate details hidden inside.

I often hear “I don’t have a green thumb.” You don’t have to have a knack for gardening. Gardening is simple, you just need to know the basics – give it the right soil, correct amount of water, appropriate amount of sunshine, and a suitable atmosphere to grow. For a terrarium, half the work is already done for you. You just need to give it some light and a drink every now and then. Terrariums are great for young or old, man or women, boy or girl. They are not only wonderful conversation pieces but are also a wonderful companion, requiring minimal care.

A small indoor garden is ideal for apartment dwellers, and also makes unique office accents. Terrariums add life to any room as an accent or a conversation piece. Place it on a coffee table or dining table for a dramatic effect. The gift of a terrarium is a wonderful alternative to fresh cut flowers and it is a gift that the receiver can continue to enjoy for years.

Several years ago, I decided to infuse my floral roots to contemporize the lost craft of terrariums for home and office décor. To my surprise, I have discovered a few others that are as devoted to the movement as I am. Those that design terrariums for a business are not as common as a florist however the ones that are, are loyal and passionate to teach others. Each one of us has our own signature style we infuse in our work. For example, New York designer, Paula Hayes, plants her coddled specimens in hand blown glass vessels. They are available for purchase between $8,000 – $22,000. Locally, Botanic Gifts has been built on their own innovative style by accenting with orchids and other blooming plants, available at The Market or direct from their website at www.botanicgifts.com from $45.00 - $300.00.

Each of us, who have honed our craft, has our own style as it is apparent in the containers we use and the plants we prefer. Yet, what we have in common is the love of the craft and dedication to bringing nature and the art of design into your home and office.

Don’t be surprised if one shows up as a gift on your doorstep. Welcome it in and just don’t forget to give it a drink!

[Tokyo Creators Garden now carries Botanic Gifts terrariums in various sizes. Prices range from $30 to $150. Stop by the store to check them out.]