Terrariums

 

I spied this amazing terrarium at a store called Terrain in Pennsylvania.   Terrain is a new concept store by the people behind Anthropologie, with a focus more on gardening, household plants and all the lovely accessories that go along with raising and growing plants at home.   So, instead of a ho hum gardening center, they actually are trying to make it look lush, fun and engaging.   If you're an Anthropologie fan, then come back Monday for a full report (and pics!) about Terrain.

But first up: Terrariums.

I travel all the time for work, so I find myself constantly nursing back houseplants back to life when I return.  Only in the summer months do I get a break: I put all the plants outside on the back patio and let Mother Nature water and care for them.   I have seen the deadest of plants spring back to life in the summer months.   Trust Mother Nature.

     

Terrariums are pretty fool proof because it's a self enclosed structure that stays moist and keeps the plants alive for days (if not weeks) without watering.  Think of it like a mini greenhouse or biosphere for plants.

I've seens lots of terrariums in those typical globe-like structures, but I've been looking to do one in a bit more interesting way.    Sure, the top terrarium is gorgeous...but it's also probably $1000 to purchase and enormously heavy to carry.  

So, I like the smaller version that's now living in my craft room.    The galvinized sides and glass windows really make it pretty and I like having something live in my office.  

Comments

[PamperingBeki]

Those are so beautiful!

[Mitzi Y.]

I've been wanting a terrarium forever (I have a tendency to kill Basil plants) but all the very cute ones are so expensive. Instead, I've decided to make due with an old fishtank.

Hopefully Terrain will have more than just the expensive options.

[Cindy]

Danny, great to hear that Anthro is getting into plants. It is one of my fav eye candy stores.

Can I give you a few tips for keeping your plants hydrated while you are away?

First, miracle grow maked a moistore control potting soil that is the best!

http://www.scotts.com/smg/catalog/productTemplate.jsp;jsessionid=E1D33DDD7DF8CC23F730114791194937?tabs=general&proId=prod70262&itemId=cat50154&id=cat50006

I use it on my outside potted plants. We had a tremendous drought last summer and I didn't want to use the water to water them on the allocated day for the water restriction. My plants stayed green all summer and when I went to repot on of them noticed that the dirt was wet, dark and lush.

Also, for the house plants if you are going away for a bit place ice cubes on the top of the dirt (lots of them) they melt slowly and will soak into the dirt instead of just running through it as it does when you water. (This is a lot better then taking them to the sink to soak.)

Hope that helps!

[Forced Green]

Cool looking terraiums. They are ok to use if you have the space!

[Internet Marketing Tools and Tips by Steve Atwal]

Hmm...nice idea, but a bit expensive for the home gardener...unless you're passionate about gardening :-) Interesting information, though.

[Kat]

Gorgeous. I am a terrarium artist myself, and I can't help but pine over these beauties!!