Into the Tiny World of Flora
Everyone has their firsts in life, follow me on my very first experience in making terrariums. For those interested in picking up this hobby, feel free to follow along these steps!
Story by: Amber Leong
For as long as I can remember, the last time I had any contact with gardening and the sorts was when I was eight. Then, my grandma was someone I knew that had a green thumb. She did her rounds in the garden everyday and sometimes, I would be her little helper. Other than that, it has been years since I last touched a watering can or trowel.
This time, I had the chance to try building my very first terrarium. When I was first handled the materials, I felt quite lost, like I was transported back to the time when I was eight. After viewing a short video tutorial provided, I was left on my own to start. I followed my instincts and poured the soil substitute into my jar as the first layer.
Next, I had to dig my fingers into the bag of soil and pat it down in the jar. Surprisingly, it was softer and more pleasant to the touch than I had thought.
Then, it was time to relocate the plant into its new home. Terrified that I would accidentally damage it, I wiggled it out of its pot slowly and gently.
Finally, it was the decoration time I had long-awaited! I had previously arranged the plants around the back of the jar with a forest concept in mind. Following this, I placed some decorative stones and small figurines in front. The finishing touch was adding a tiny ladybug figurine on one of the leaves & my terrarium was complete!
I was quite satisfied with how it had turned out in the end for a first-timer like me! At the end of the day, I was pleasantly surprised to find the whole experience quite therapeutic. I also rediscovered this childhood memory of mine that was long forgotten with the passing of time. In the near future, I can definitely see myself making these as gifts for my friends and family or to simply fill my home with. I would highly recommend this activity for those who are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of life.
Check out the steps on how to make your own terrarium below, there’s also a video of our virgin experience building our own terrariums.
DIY Terrarium
Supplies Needed
A glass jar or container
Potting soil
Small pebbles
Small gardening tools
(trowel, spray bottle)
Terrarium plants
Decorative stones (optional)
Figurines (optional)
Steps
1. Cover the bottom of the jar with small pebbles
2. Add a layer of potting soil (about 2 inches) over the small pebbles
3. Create a small hole in the soil for the plant
4. Gently remove the plant from its pot and nestle it into the soil
5. Tamp gently to cover the roots and any sparse areas
6. After adding all the plants, complete the look by decorating with stones and figurines
7. Mist the plants and soil lightly and place it away from direct sunlight
