December 11, 2024
How to interest children in gardening
How to interest children in gardening

This is the perfect time of year to make your garden design. Maybe you would like to include your children or grandchildren. Well, how about a fairy garden with tiny accessories to go with tiny plants?  All the garden supply stores should be well-stocked. My grandchildren are continually searching for the perfect addition to our next-spring’s fairy garden.

Here are a few necessary steps for a perfect fairy garden. First, develop a theme such as camping, farming, backyard play area, Victorian, bird house, gazebo, party, water feature, fairy, church yard — the themes can go on and on — they are endless. The children tend to change the theme from year to year, depending on their interests.

So, let’s select a focal point. It doesn’t have to be the biggest, grandest, or the most expensive focal point but it will tell the story of your fairy garden. It should capture the eye to the most visual point of view. It might be the largest ingredient to spot first. Start with something you love.

Keep a tape measure handy when shopping

It is recommended that 1:12 which means that one inch in fairy land equals one foot in real garden. Keep a tape measure handy when shopping or looking for your small treasures. Have your little ones search their toy box so they can offer their small treasures for the fairy garden. This will definitely make you proud to show off and keep it weed free. 

The Garden Market in downtown Fremont some years ago featured contests for fairy gardens and outrageous garden hats.

Design around the focal point that will complement the surroundings. You might want winding paths, water streams, court yards, camping scenes, back yard scenario, or maybe a water feature for your theme. You might consider an architectural feature. It tends to make a strong focal starting point.

If inserting an archway, use the rule of symmetry — what you plant on one side, mirror on the other. You don’t want to overload with your adorable miniatures. You could create two fairy gardens instead. It would be wise to position your fairy garden near a well-traveled path such as a porch, patio, or favorite sitting area, especially if you have included a water feature. This would be two-fold, you, and everyone else would enjoy the beautiful fairy garden sight and listen to the soothing sound of the water feature. It would be a favorite place for relaxation at the end of the day.