CREATE A ZEN GARDEN TERRARIUM

Terrariums are popular because they require little care and are a brilliant way of bringing nature indoors. They are ideal for small spaces (city apartments, offices, etc.) because they are self-contained and fairly easy to grow and maintain. When done correctly, terrariums are whimsical little worlds that make your surroundings visually appealing. Just like an aquarium is for fish, terrariums are for plants. The plants live year-round, purify the air and make it possible for anyone to garden even the most tropical plants. Think of an ornate garden on a small scale; this is a perfect place for bonsai trees! One can literally plant a terrarium in any glass container, so get creative! Some of the best plants to start with include, of course, moss of all types. After adding a substrate as a base, one should add moss as a carpet for other plants to cling to. Small plants such as dwarf conifers, cacti, and succulents are good options that don’t overwhelm a space. Remember: closed terrariums are ecosystems of their own and humidity-loving plants should be placed in these environments. “Spider plants, snake plants, lilies, and orchids” will thrive in a muggy atmosphere.

A Zen or “Japanese dry garden” corresponds well with the idea of a terrarium because they can both be created on a small scale. “Zen garden terrariums are miniature gardens that typically feature gravel, rocks, sand, and natural elements, along with low-maintenance plants like mosses and succulents.” Small indoor gardens are usually inspired by the Zen variety because their intention is to encourage meditation. This is why people have miniature sand gardens in their homes (ones small enough to fit onto their desks), complete with a tiny wooden rake for creating designs. It’s also fun to add favorite stones, crystals, and even small statues to a sand garden. Create a miniature oasis for any room in your home and take inspiration from Japanese Zen gardens from around the world.

First of all, the most important element of a Zen garden terrarium is a sense of harmony and balance. For this you’ll want an open-air vessel so you can actually tend the garden. Creating your own little landscape is very meditative and calming. Start with your clear glass vessel of choice (this can be an old aquarium, goldfish bowl, or dish) and add sand or gravel along with low-maintenance plants that require little water, such as succulents. Air plants are best for this sort of DIY project and look charming hanging in an apartment. While they are beautiful in front of a window, most terrariums and air gardens prefer indirect sunlight. For larger containers, consider adding a small bridge to reinforce the Zen aesthetic. A small fountain surrounded by plants and stones will really take your tiny oasis to another level as the sound of running water is instantly soothing and gratifying. It also adds positive feng shui to any room.

Rather than using a pre-made kit ordered online, try using materials you already have to make this a truly sustainable project. Looking around in thrift shops, gardening centers, and out in nature is what makes this sort of endeavor fun and worthwhile. Instead of mass-produced products, try incorporating little objects and totems that have special significance into your Zen garden/terrarium. This will make the tiny landscape uniquely yours. Place stones you’ve found on your travels, river rocks, and crystals with special meaning and energy in your mini garden. Fairy lights add an extra level of whimsy to your creation, and since a terrarium is so small, you can shift around the stones and make a completely different garden each and every day if you wish. Don’t let the foliage overwhelm the stones and sand; the whole idea of Zen is for things to be in their place and manageable, so keep it tended and tidy. A spray water bottle is really all you need to keep the plants alive once they’re planted and, of course, pull away yellowing leaves or petals.

For more information on building a terrarium and Zen garden inspiration, check out the links below:

https://www.thespruce.com/zen-garden-ideas-7556607

https://www.thespruce.com/great-terrarium-plants-847877