Plants in the Home

I don't really have a green thumb. Well, maybe to some percentage I do, but I think it's pretty natural to compare oneself to their mother, and my mother had a passion for plants and gardens. She even had a degree in botany. My dabbling in the plant world always seem quite amateur in comparison. But, looking at the labels on my blog, I realize that I do post a fair amount about my garden, roses, lavender, and wildflowers. There's something about natural things that grow in the house or yard that make a home cozy and inviting for me. Recently I planted my herb garden. It's growing in a sunny spot in several antique washtubs. Generally one of each type of herb I want and use is enough. But parsley is the exception. The price of a 4" potted parsley plant at the nursery was somewhere between $3.00 and $4.00. And I want a lot of parsley! It dries so well and then can be used all winter long. Instead, I found a packet of parsley seeds for $1.49 and a package of starter discs for $2.50. I decided it was worth a try. It's really been fun checking on my little "parsley garden" every day. They sit in a casserole dish that's on the front porch where the morning sunshine hits it each day. Before I knew it, they started sending shoots out the top and my garden is growing! I'll be transplanting them to a larger container in my herb garden soon.

Sometimes it is fun to propagate plants in other ways as well. Last summer a dear friend who lives 2,300 miles away sent me a fat, puffy letter that was filled with paper towel wrapped leaves. They were African Violet leaves from her mother's favorite, purple African Violet. Both our mothers are gone now, but we have been friends since childhood, and our mother's are a part of our friendship and connection to one another. She sent a note that said to place the leaves in potting soil and water them. They would grow. There were no roots and she didn't even send them in water. Just dry leaves. I placed them in a flower pot and have tended them all these months. Some of the leaves didn't make it, but others thrived under tender loving care and are soon ready to transplant into individual pots. I am eager to see the blossoms when they mature. I will always think of Nancy and her mother, Ruby, when I look at this violet.

And this begonia plant is also being propagated without seeds. A quilt guild member brought cuttings to guilt meeting and said she'd trimmed her begonia and anyone who wanted a start was free to take several home. I put them in a vase of water as soon as I got home and before long they rooted and started sending out new shoots. Recently I planted them in a flower pot and now I'm waiting for them to take off and grow prolifically {I hope}. Some of the leaves near the bottom are not very pretty, as they are torn and tattered right now, but at the roots they have new baby leaves that will soon reach maturity. The old, tattered leaves will then be trimmed away. 

Such simple things can bring such pleasure. Tending plants could be called puttering, I suppose. But helping them thrive and grow is something I choose to do. It seems to keep one grounded and connected with life and nature in so many ways.

Do you tend plants? What are your favorites?

Bloom! Garden! Bloom!

No matter where one lives, it is important to slow down and learn to enjoy and appreciate the beauty that's around you. Gardens, parks, and landscaped buildings are a great place to go when seeking a bit of tranquility.

It is fun to learn the names of plants. Often, gardens have small plaques that identify them. And it is interesting to observe how the garden designer placed and spaced plants in the garden. With thought, it's easy to see how they used the principles of design in their plan. Balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, and unity are all considered when designing a beautiful garden.

I also enjoy observing how designers and gardeners choose plants native to the locale. Grasses, cacti, and succulents accent beautiful flowering shrubs and flowers where I live. What kinds of plants are local to your area?

Pretty river rock, decorative stones, and chippy bark work together to create a dry river bed. Dry river beds works well in many climates. Other gardeners prefer ponds and fountains with the soothing sounds of bubbling waters that flow over rocks and falls. No matter what the choice, gardens can be a soothing to both the gardener and the observer.

Public gardens are common and enjoyed everywhere. The Bloom IQ website shares a map which identifies many public gardens by state. Check it out! Find your state and see what's there.

Public gardens are great sources of information, ideas, and inspiration. Walking through them or viewing them from a blanket on the ground as you share a picnic lunch with someone you enjoy is a great way to observe their beauty. 

What is your favorite public garden? How many have you been to that are on this list?

Vibrant Lime of the Sweet Potato Vine

The first time I saw a sweet potato vine was at a plant nursery and gift shop called "My Grandmother's Garden". I was visiting my mother and it was one of her favorite places. The shop owner planted a variety of plants in huge planters and urns. She was skilled at selecting a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and reds and greens filled the planters. Tall plants of sharp spikes were contrasted with delicate vines and plants with small, bushy leaves. I came away inspired! In analysis, I decided that it was the bright lime-colored sweet potato vines that caught my eye the most! They were gorgeous, classy, and vibrant!

If you read Gracious Hospitality, you know that I love tea and everything related to it. So, last summer I planted a sweet potato vine along with a purple hot pepper plant in this large teacup planter.  It did very well in the summer's heat. I was also pleased to find that it wintered over very well in my living room. How I enjoyed its vibrant lime green during the dreary days of winter.

Sweet potato vines also grace my outdoor garden. They are tucked into planters and flower garden beds. It grows prolifically and compliments both flowers and plants. It dies back after the first hard frost, but it's a gift that keeps on giving. If you are curious, dig up the root and you'll find a large and healthy sweet potato! Take a look at your garden center if you want to have some fun "creating" gardens with this interesting trailing plant.  I think you'll enjoy it, as I have! 

Today I am linking to Bernideen's Tea Time Blog for "Open House". 

Little Gardens of Serenity

On a recent visit to a plant nursery nearby, I found some beautiful little trees. I fell in love with them. Just like their larger counterparts, these are tiny versions of what's in shrub beds nearby. 

So, I purchased them as well as some plants that complemented their small size. 

Three ceramic pots in graduated sizes later, I was ready to begin my planting adventures.

In the largest pot, I planted the Japanese hinoki cypress. It's one of my favorite shrubs and I was delighted to find such a tiny version whose name is "Maureen".  Creeping thyme, hen and chicks, and other sedums filled in the blanks. Marble, from the quarry on Uncle Clifton's Arizona ranch, added pretty contrast. For decor, two small pottery pieces that I bought in Mexico years ago. And in honor of Libby, Fiddlesticks, Jetta, and Razberi...loving schnauzers we've had in the past...I added two schnauzer figurines. 

The shrub featured in this planter is a "Blue Pygmy" juniper. It is another shrub that is frequently used in local landscapes. I love its compact shape. This time I added a piece of petrified wood for accent and planted another type of creeping thyme and a few more sedums. Cat figurines remind me of our faithful cat, Samson. I still miss him. He was our cat that always rules our schnauzers, even when it was three against one!

The last shrub is a Japanese holly called "Dwarf Pagoda". It is used in landscaping to create nice hedges and borders. I chose this specific one because I love its shape and the small, shiny leaves. More marble from Arizona, sedums, and thyme filled in the blanks. The figurines are memory pieces for my sister and me. They were purchased on a trip to the California redwoods --- more than forty years ago. It is difficult to see in the picture, but in addition to the rocks and figurines, each container holds a wire hanger with a hanging basket as well.


Thank you for visiting and letting me show you my little gardens of serenity. 

Slowly, Spring!

It has been a cold and rainy spring. New growth is slow and flowering things are just coming out. It's been freezing at night, yet impatience for garden baskets and a vegetable garden is growing. One can only wait for so long without wishing to plant! A trip to a nursery  confirmed the cold spring! Everything is quite "new" and "small" yet as we all wait for warmer weather! 

Mostly a lot of "window shopping" was achieved, although a few heirloom seeds and some new mint plants made their way to my shopping cart. Pineapple mint, Catmint, Apple mint, and Spearmint all sound so good! I also found a lovely watercress nasturtium that should add great spicy flavor to tea sandwiches.

I left this plant at the nursery, but can you read the name? "Sweet TEA". Love it!

At lunchtime we braved the 45 degree weather for a quick lunch at the park. Thank you, Karleen, for indulging my love of eating alfresco dining! We were so thankful for the hot thermos TEA!

As we headed home, we couldn't resist stopping by a lovely little quilt shop. It was filled to the gills with yardage and a lovely shop owner who we shared an enjoyable visit with.


So, although spring is slow, it is slowly arriving and providing pockets of joy to the day!

Spices and Herbs

Spices and herbs add wonderful flavor to the food we eat.  Have you ever wondered what the difference is between the two? How would you describe the difference between an herb and a spice?  It's really quite simple once you figure it out. Herbs are the leaf of a plant that is used in cooking. Cooks refer to them as culinary herbs. Spice also comes from plants, but they come from other the other parts of the plant. A spice can come from the plant buds (cloves), bark (as in cinnamon), roots (like ginger), berries (as in peppercorns), aromatic seeds (cumin) or a flower stigma (saffron). Holiday cooking and baking nears with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up in the next few weeks. How many of these different plant parts will you use in your holiday meal preparation? A bit of trivia, perhaps, but interesting, don't you think?

African Violets

Have you noticed the weary, nearly dead African violet plants that are sometimes in the discount basket at the supermarket? The market where I shop for groceries has a discount basket near the floral department. It often contains several sad looking African violets that are either ready for the trash bin or for someone to come and rescue them. It appears that I have made it my mission to save them from a sad ending. For 99 cents, a sorry looking little plant sometimes comes home with me and the work begins to restore it to good health. It doesn't take long to perk them up or even to get them to bloom, although they do need time to grow new leaves to look vibrant again.

The African violet, or saintpaulias, is a common houseplant that can provide beautiful blossoms in purple, lavender, white, and pink throughout the year. When conditions are right, continually blooming can result. The soil should be kept moist, but never soggy. Generally I allow the soil to dry completely before watering. To water, place the flower pot in a larger container, like a bowl or carton. Without allowing water to touch the leaves, drench the soil in water so that it drains into the container below. Allow it to sit in the water that pools for 10 minutes or so, then remove. The soil should be completely moist but the plant shouldn't be left sitting in water for a long period of time. If allowed to sit in water too long, the stems and leaves will get mushy and rot. I like to use fertilizer sticks that slow release into the soil so that blossoms result. A low level nitrogen fertilizer gives the best results. In the winter, sunlight from a nearby window seems to give me the best results when it comes to growth and foliage, but during the summer when it is hot, care should be taken to keep African violets out of too much direct sunlight. Too much light and heat can cause spotting of the foliage or wilting of the leaves. Books about caring for African violets all mention that they require a fairly high level of humidity to thrive. This is something I don't worry about too much, as my climate is fairly dry in both summer and winter. They seem to do alright without extra effort to humidify them as long as I keep them in the proper light and well watered and fed.

The process of restoring these little African violets plants has just begun. Before long I hope they will thrive, grow, and grace the room with abundant colorful blossoms! In the meantime, the journey of restoration is interesting and rewarding. African violets are not just your grandmother's living room plant!

Sweet, Sweet Potato Vines

I remember the first time I ever actually noticed an ornamental sweet potato vine.  I was with my mother at a plant nursery and gift shop called "My Grandmother's Garden".  It was during the time that the Tuscan look was just becoming popular, and the nursery had large urns filled with plants in beautiful arrangements.  The plants varied from spiked reds to leafy greens.  But it was the bright lime-colored sweet potato vines that caught my eye!  They were gorgeous, classy, and vibrant!  When I got home again I searched them out and placed one in every outdoor potted garden I owned!

Again, last summer I planted a sweet potato vine along with a purple hot pepper plant in this large teacup planter.  It did very well in the summer's heat.  In the past I have always enjoyed them until the first frost and then let them go.  But last autumn I decided to see how it would grow inside as a house plant.  What a pleasant surprise!  It has thrived in the house.  It's grown so much that I have had to prune it back and wind its long tendrils around the teacup to keep them from dragging on the floor.  How I have enjoyed the vibrant lime green during winter's dreary days.

Recently, a magazine from a local nursery arrived in my mailbox, and it featured an article about this pretty vine.  Sweet potato vines are actually called Ipomeas and come in at least 21 different varieties.  They call this a "tropical looking trailer".  How true!  While the foliage is growing above ground, below the soil is a sweet potato that grows larger and larger along with the vine.  They look interesting and are edible, but probably not as delicious as sweet potatoes grown grown for culinary purposes.  The Ipomea in the urn above is called "Midnight Lace" and I think it looks beautiful with trailing petunias and million bells.  

Ornamental sweet potato vines come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.  The Ipomea "Goldfinger" in the top picture loves the sun and is known for how well it "trails" or "spills" out of baskets and planters.  It's foliage is a vibrant chartreuse and it has three parts to it's leaves that look like long, green fingers!  The Ipomea "Sweet Caroline Red" is shown in the lower portion of the above photo.  This variety has leaf colors that meld from vibrant green to a bright red, making it a pretty choice for planting in garden pots.  It has a smaller root system than some of the Ipomea, so it is suggested that it be used mostly for potted gardens rather than regular flower or shrub beds.

The Ipomea "Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Purple" shown in the upper part of this photo has beautiful, purple leaves that are heart-shaped.  Sometimes the leaves verge on a soft black color, which really adds drama and zest to a plant bouquet.  The Ipomea "Bright Ideas Lime" is probably one of the most popular of all because of its vibrant, lime-green color.  It has been cultivated to be compact and fast growing, making it ever popular for containers containing mixed gardens.  It adds variety and energy to any garden pot.

So, take a look at your garden center if you want to have some fun "creating" gardens with this interesting trailing plant.  I think you'll enjoy it, as have I!  


[The last picture was taken during the winter before any new growth occurred.]

Holiday Cactus

My "Christmas cactus" is a little late for Christmas, and may be done blooming by Easter, but I'm enjoying it just the same. Placing it in an unheated room with only natural night from a window really woke this zygocactus up! After five years, I think I've finally found the formula (for this specific plant, anyway). I just had to share a few more pictures. I think the tri-layered blossoms are so beautiful! Thanks for indulging me with this little "show and tell". 

You can learn more about this beautiful plant by going here. I notice that they call this a Holiday Cactus, a term I am not familiar with, obviously because of the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter seasons for blooming.

Planning for Lavender

 
Do you enjoy the fragrance and flavor of lavender?  Some do, and a few don't.  It will be a month or so before the Spanish lavender starts blooming.  A few weeks after that, the Grosso, Hidcote, Munstead, and other lavenders will start to bloom proficiently!  If you don't have any lavender in your garden, it's time to plan ahead.  If you buy a gallon container of lavender from a nursery and plant it in your garden, you can enjoy blossoms of your own this summer.  Once the lavender starts to bud, keep watch.  Just before the buds start to blossom, harvest the lavender and place them in a warm place (outside of direct sunlight) to dry.  Once dry, remove the bud by rubbing the stems and bud between your hands.  Use a screen large enough to allow the bud to pass through, leaving the stems and leaves on the screen.  You can then use the cleaned lavender for cooking or crafts.  Here's one way of using lavender in your kitchen or for gifts, so plan ahead!

Lavender Sugar ~ flavor sugar by burying a few sprigs or bud in a bowl of sugar, and let the mixture sit for few weeks; this makes a sweet gift! Place lavender sugar in a small glass jar. Add a jar with ring and cover with tulle or cotton print. Tie with a pretty bow and add a silver teaspoon for serving into a delicious cup of tea!

Blooming. . .finally!

Finally!  You may recall that I have had an ongoing love-hate relationship with this lovely zygocactus.  I wrote about it here and here . For five years I have been nurturing this stubborn plant.  When I received it, it bloomed immediately.  But every year since, it has refused to produce flowers.  I will say, though, that it has magnificent foliage!  The green parts of this plant have thrived under my constant care.  This year it again did not bloom for Christmas.  I had tried all the things I was supposed to do, like putting it in a dark closet for a month or placing it in a room that is kept cooler than others.  I finally gave up and decided to move it out into the unheated shop with a scented geranium plant I am wintering over.  It has sat in a south facing window in an unheated room since January.  Occasionally I have remembered to water it.  And look what happened!  Finally, it has decided to bloom!  Such simple things bring so much joy to the day!  After I was sure that it was not teasing me, I brought it back into the house so we can enjoy it daily.  It makes me smile every time I look at it.

Plants and Little Trees

 

Houseplants are beneficial to home and health.  Houseplants have the ability to remove toxins from the air.  Studies have shown that houseplants can remove 87% of toxins within a 24 hour period.  Plants also have a soothing and calming effect on the body, helping people live healthier lives.  Individuals who live in homes or who work in offices with plants have a 30% reduced chance of fatigue, coughs, sore throats, and other symptoms of colds.  Not only do houseplants have benefits for air quality and health, but they provide beauty to the home decor.

Assorted plants grace my home.  How about yours?  African violets, ferns, begonias, sweet potato vine, decorative pepper plants, scented geranium, ivy, and more fill home spaces and provide life to the decor.  I've also been tending little trees.  They are somewhat challenging at times, but well worth the extra attention.  Ficus and variegated ficus trees are fairly common, but I love their shiny leaves and airy branches.  They can grow to the ceiling and look great with little white lights added to their branches!  This past year I added several other trees to our home.  A camellia sinensis, commonly known as the source of tea leaves, is growing nicely in a pot, but it taking some tender loving care during the winter months.  It appears to love sunlight, of which we have very little on some weeks these days.  The coffee plant seems to thrive and is not particular as long as it receives water and natural light.  And the lovely bay laurel tree is thriving!  Winter hasn't seemed to slow it down and new leaves continue to be added to its splendor.  Bay laurel is known for its aromatic qualities and the leaves are commonly added to soups and stews to enhance flavor.  As January nears its end, I look forward to spring when the little trees can be set outside on the porch to grow in the sunshine again!

What are your favorite houseplants?  Do houseplants have a place in your home?

Primrose Perk

 

Have you noticed the seasonal blooming flowers that are showing up at the supermarket?  This week I found colorful primroses and miniature daffodil plants in bloom.  At first I was disappointed that the primrose plants were so small, but the blossoms were so cheerful, I bought some to bring home anyway.  They sat on my kitchen counter for a few days while I tried to figure out how I would display them. While watering my plants, I realized that my large terrarium was looking a bit scant and tired, so I decided that the primroses would perk it up considerably.  They fit in nicely and really sparked things up!  It's fun to have a little bit of spring in my living room on a January day.

If you haven't already checked in from the previous post, please do!

Bloom, O Christmas Cactus

Zygocactus ~ Christmas Cactus



My Christmas cactus has foliage that is thriving!  It continues to grow by leaps and bounds.  If only it would bloom so generously.  I'm still working on creating conditions that are favorable to blossom.  Last week a quarter of my plant budded and is blooming.  It's all at one side and the rest of the plant remains barren of color.   I think I am trying too hard to get it right.  I've also been curious about why some zygocactus blooms at Thanksgiving and others at Easter.  It's like they become confused with the seasons.  Today's newspaper has a few answers to my questions about .  They confirm some of my own conclusions and it appears that I just need to be more careful about how I treat my plant.  Essentially, I am giving it too much TLC.  The extension agent author also outlined the reason why some cacti bloom in December and others in November or March or April.  Here is a condensed version of the information they shared:


1.  There are three kinds of cacti ~ Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.  The Thanksgiving cactus blooms from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  Its blossoms are red, salmon-orange, lavender, or white.  The foliage segments have  two to four saw-toothed points.  The Christmas cactus blooms from Christmas through March.  It has red or white flowers.  There are four rounded scallops on the edges of each foliage segment.  The Easter cactus blooms sometime between March and May.  Occasionally it will bloom again in the autumn.  Its segments are smoother, with wavy edges and brown bristles at the very tip.  The blossoms of the Easter cactus are generally pink or red.


2.  The bloom of these cacti is triggered by short days and cool temperatures.  They should be grown in a room that gets natural, bright light and gets dark when the sun goes down each night.  They thrive best in rooms that are 65 degrees F. or less.  

3.  They shouldn't be over-watered.  Soil kept on the dry side is desirable, especially in the period leading up to their blooming period.  

4.  Additionally, Alma's friend, Janet grows beautiful Christmas cactus.  Her secret is to grow them outside all summer, bringing them into the house in October.  At that time she adds 1 - 2 Tbsp. of castor oil to the soil.  She believes this helps them to bloom.  She waters them minimally year around.


My diagnosis of my Christmas cactus is that it needs to be moved from the living room where wood heat keeps it too warm!  And that I need to give it a little bit less care when it comes to watering.  My Thanksgiving cactus, on the other hand, spent the summer and fall on the back porch.  It was looking so neglected when I brought it into the house that I nearly threw it away.  I didn't, and it rewarded me with a plethora of beautiful blossoms at Thanksgiving.  


Do you grow zygocactus?  What are your tips for abundant blooms?

Thinking Ahead to Trees for Spring

 Autumn is a good time of year to plant young trees because the weather is cool and crisp.  They have a chance to become established before the really cold weather arrives, and then they lay dormant during the frigid months of winter.  Many plant nurseries have their stock on sale this time of year as well, so those shopping for plants and trees can find some really great deals on some beautiful trees.  Here's a list of some ornamental trees that make a nice addition to a yard or garden.  Happy tree shopping!

~ Idaho Lucust in dark pink
~ Flowering Almond in pink or white
~ Dogwoods  

~ Varigated Box Elder
~ Weeping Cherries
~ Weeping Crab Apples (the kind that doesn't drop fruit)
~ Weeping Larch (Tamarack)

And some flowering shrubs

~ Deutzia (soft and delicate in white or pinks)

~ Porcelain Vine (white and green leaves with berries that don't take over)
~ Mock Orange Vine

Kitchen Container Gardens

Once the planting bug bites, it's hard to let it go.  After all my terrarium containers were filled with soil and plants, I had some left and didn't want to waste them.  So I started looking around the kitchen for other things to plant.  I'm not sure what I'll make trifle cakes in any more, because I used my favorite pedestal bowl as a planter that sits on a sideboard in the dining room now.  And an ice cream dish filled with tiny daisies sits on the kitchen counter, adding fresh and green to the decor.  The same formula that was used for the terrariums was used for these containers, since they don't have any source of drainage at the bottom of them.  They contain a layer of charcoal, then course gravel, and finally potting soil.  It's important not to over-water them, but to check frequently for dryness and to water just enough when required.  The plants in my stock are gone, but with a trip to the mountains planned soon, I may just bring more home and continue with this fun nature project.

Bringing Nature Indoors

One of my favorite authors writes that "nature study should be an important part of your child's daily program. This may include working with plants, pots, or window boxes indoors, or a bigger garden outdoors; collecting, identifying, and classifying leaves, rocks, shells, etc.; starting a nature experiment; or taking a walk to see what can be found to study." [Home Grown Kids, p. 154]

Sometimes weather conditions, living conditions, and circumstances make daily nature study difficult.  Videos, pictures, books, etc. can fill the gap, but when a child or adult finds something live to touch, see, and experience, natures lessons are clearly illustrated at the highest levels of learning and comprehension.  Let's explore one way that nature can be studied in a controlled environment in the home.

Bringing nature into the house is fun and a fresh way to see how things grow in their own, self-contained ecosystem.  A terrarium can be made out of a variety of glass containers and are a beautiful addition to any living space.  To make a terrarium you will need:

1)  Natural materials from nature:  if possible, take a walk in the woods or along a creek bank to gather small plants and objects (violets, wild ginger, moss, rocks, twigs).  Visit a plant nursery and/or the plant and flower department at the supermarket.  Select and buy several small houseplants (2" containers or 6-pack containers).

2)  Purchase or gather materials for the foundation.  You will need to layer, in this order, charcoal, gravel, and potting soil. 

3)  Find a container that is large and clear with an open top. WalMart has brandy snifters and clear glass vases that will work for a terrarium.  A fish bowl or fish tank also works nicely.  After experienced has been gained in building terrariums, you might want to use a large, commercial-style glass water bottle.  The opening is small, but with a straightened, wire coat hanger, you can place plants and objects in the container to create a beautiful terrarium.

4)  Make sure your glass container is sparkling clean.  It is more difficult to polish the glass after it is filled with soil and plants.

5)  Then, place a layer of charcoal in the base of the container.  If using purchased charcoal, be sure it is a type that does not have chemicals or petroleum added.  If the charcoal is in lumps, place it in a plastic bag and then pound it with a heavy glass or hammer to break into small pieces or powder.  The charcoal acts as a purifier to absorb toxins and mold.

6)  Next, add a layer of gravel, covering the charcoal completely. The gravel creates a bed for drainage.

7)  Now it is time to add a layer of potting soil.  This will be a thicker layer than the charcoal or gravel.  Smooth it throughout the container.  It does not need to be level.  Instead, a mound or a slope can be created for the scene.

8)  Plan the scene, deciding upon the placement of plants.  At this point, a decision to make a pond or stream in the scene should be made.  They can be added by placing a small, low dish on the soil in the terrarium, or by placing a small mirror or aluminum foil for the illusion of water.  Working with odd numbers of plants is recommended for artistic effect and should be used to create the anchor for the scene.  Smaller plants can then be added to complete the design. Using odd numbers is still recommended.  Sometimes it is difficult to reach into the bottom of the container to dig holes for the plants.  A table knife or a long handled iced tea spoon work as helpful tools for planting.  Moss can be added in open spaces between plants to create
ground cover.

9)  Add objects from nature to create a natural scene.  Stones, twigs, and sea shells add contrast to the plants and create interest and 'spark'.

10)  Add small figurines or toys to add interest.  Ceramic or plastic animals, Lego creations, tiny toy boats, a toy helicopter, or figurines of people make a terrarium interesting to children.  A little twig cabin or house inside also sparks imagination.

11)  A terrarium is a great habitat for little critters found in nature.  Frogs, toads, salamanders, and chameleons will enjoy the moist and lush place to live.  Insects like ladybugs or worms also give life to the habitat.

12)  A terrarium is a closed habitat when a cover is added to the top.   If an aquarium is used, a mesh cover that fits tightly can be purchased.  For a glass vase or brandy snifter, a plate set on top works to keep moisture inside.  Watering will not be necessary very often because the moisture will recycle in the container, forming condensation on the sides.  Observing this is a great opportunity to teach the cycle of water to the ocean, clouds, and rain.  Sometimes a terrarium can become too moist, so keep watch and slide the plate aside to make a small crack for moisture to escape.  If it becomes too moist, the plants will rot and spoil.

A terrarium can be used to teach lessons from nature and to spark the interest and imagination of the children who craft and observe what's inside.  Seeing how plants grow or how they need trimmed so they don't overgrow the container involves the child actively on a daily basis. Gathering new objects can be done on daily walks and the child can add or remove things from the scene to improve it or to keep up with the seasons.  Its interactive nature is especially observed when little critters are added.  The terrarium as a self-contained habitat can provide hours of involvement in learning for the child and can give them the opportunity to observe nature up close and naturally in their home environment.  It's a great way to involve the family in a fun and beautiful nature activity.