What better way to invite the “wee folk” into your garden than by creating a special garden just for them. To make them feel welcome, plant a few of their favorite flowers or herbs, and add some natural building materials such as small rocks, twigs or shells for them to make their home. All you have to do after that is simple … just sit back and believe.
Starting your fairy garden is simple, and you likely already have materials you can repurpose. Begin by choosing a container—think creatively here! Anything from a shallow ceramic dish to an old wheelbarrow, wooden crate, or even the seat of a toy tricycle can serve as the perfect base. Once you’ve found your container, you’ll need some soil, a few small plants, and a handful of miniature accessories to set the scene.
Plant Selection Tips:
For a magical, lush look, focus on a mix of textures and colors. Ground covers like moss or creeping thyme create the effect of soft, grassy lawns. Tiny succulents bring an otherworldly charm, and adding small perennials can provide year-round interest with minimal upkeep. Just ensure the plants match your light and watering conditions—sun-loving succulents and moss won’t thrive in the same environment, so plan accordingly!
Accessories:
Here’s where the fun begins! Everyday items like seashells, pebbles, buttons, and marbles can be turned into magical treasures. Add a whimsical twist by creating tiny pathways, miniature houses, or tiny fences. If you love DIY, try crafting small furniture or fairy doors from twigs and bark.
This gnome succulent garden, for instance, was created in the back of a toy tricycle I found at a yard sale—it’s proof that thinking outside the box (literally) is part of the fun! Whether your style leans toward rustic, enchanted forests or colorful, playful designs, there’s no wrong way to bring a fairy garden to life. Just let your imagination guide you!
The first step is finding the right spot for your fairy garden. This could be a shady corner of your yard, a bright porch, or even a sunny windowsill. Just make sure it’s a place your kids can easily reach because they’ll want to visit often! If you’re creating your garden outside, look for a spot with some light but protection from extreme weather. Indoors, a well-lit area like a windowsill works perfectly.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
Fairy gardens don’t have to be expensive or complicated. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A container: This could be anything from a shallow planter to an old wheelbarrow or even a wooden box. Let your kids get creative here!
- Soil: Any basic potting mix will do. Succulents prefer a cactus mix.
- Plants: Small plants are ideal. Think moss, creeping thyme, or tiny succulents. Choose plants that fit the light and water conditions of your chosen spot.
- Accessories: Miniature houses, tiny figurines, stones, marbles, shells, or anything you have on hand. The more imaginative, the better!
Encourage your kids to look for everyday items to use—pebbles can become pathways, a bottle cap can become a pond, and an old teacup might make the perfect fairy home.
Step 3: Designing the Layout
This is where the magic happens. Let your kids decide what the fairies might need. Will there be a pathway to a cozy cottage? Maybe a tiny pond or a miniature swing?
Start with the larger elements like houses or taller plants, then work on filling in the details. Encourage your kids to move things around until the layout feels just right. You might find them creating backstories for where the fairies “live” or “play,” which only adds to the charm.
There’s no wrong way to design a fairy garden—it’s all about letting your kids’ imaginations run wild.
Step 4: Planting the Garden
Once the layout is ready, it’s time to plant. Show your kids how to loosen the roots before placing the plants in the soil and explain why some plants need more space while others can be closer together.
Let them get their hands dirty! Feeling the soil and planting with care connects them to nature. This is also a great opportunity to teach them about watering—how to check if the soil is too dry or too wet and how much water their plants need.
Step 5: Adding Magical Touches
Now comes the fun part—decorating! Let your kids add their favorite accessories, whether it’s a painted rock they made, a tiny figurine, or even some glittery “fairy dust.” You can get creative with DIY touches, like making a swing from sticks and string or crafting a tiny mailbox for the fairies.
These finishing touches make the garden feel personal and special, giving your kids a sense of pride in their magical creation.
Step 6: Telling the Fairy Stories
A fairy garden isn’t just a collection of plants and miniatures—it’s a world waiting for stories. Who lives in the garden? A family of woodland fairies? A gnome and his woodland pets? Encourage your kids to create little stories about the fairies and even leave notes for them.
You can keep the magic alive by adding new elements to the garden with each season. Maybe a snowy scene in winter or pastel flowers in spring? The possibilities are endless.
Step 7: Teaching Responsibility Through Fun
Caring for the fairy garden—watering the plants, tidying up, and keeping it looking magical—teaches kids responsibility in a fun and engaging way. They’ll feel proud of their work and excited to check on the garden daily.
It’s a small way to introduce the idea that nurturing something leads to big rewards.
Keeping It Fresh
Fairy gardens can grow and change over time. Swap out plants or accessories as the seasons change, and keep the excitement going. In winter, you could create a snowy wonderland. In summer, add flowers that attract butterflies.
Suggestions for Fairy Garden Plants
HERBS:
- Thyme: This is a must. Thyme will invite fairies into your garden and it is said that fairies hide their babies under the thyme for safekeeping.
Lavender: Lavender is good for all those midnight fairy parties. They can create wonderful lavender infused wine and the scent of lavender is very soothing.
Sweet Woodruff: The delicate white flowers will reflect the moonlight for their fairy dances.
Lambs Ear: What a soft place to make a bed!
Rosemary: Called the elf plant. Fairy lore maintains they are captivated by it. Plant the trailing variety to cascade down the side of the chair.
FLOWERS:
- Primrose: Attracts the company of fairies. Often called the fairy flower.
Bluebells: Lures the fairies into the garden to dance
Pansies: Created by the fairies from the colors of the sky, (blue) sunset (red),sunbeams (yellow), and brown from the earth.
Lily of the Valley: Dainty, bell shaped flowers, perfect for making fairy caps
Forget-me-nots: A pure blue flower associated with many fairy legends. Forget-me-nots represent remembrance.
Other:
- Irish Moss: Soft and vibrant, it creates a whimsical, mossy carpet.
- Baby’s Tears: Delicate and dense foliage that thrives in shaded or partially shaded spots.
Small Shrubs and Foliage
- Miniature Ferns: Perfect for creating a “forest” feel.
- Polka Dot Plant: Adds a pop of color with its pink, white, or red speckled leaves.
- Dusty Miller: Offers a silvery, magical touch to your garden.
Tiny Flowers for Color
- Alyssum: Sweet-smelling blooms in shades of white, pink, or purple.
- Miniature Pansies: Their cheerful faces bring personality to your garden.
- Forget-Me-Nots: A dainty option for springtime charm.
Succulents for Magic and Ease
- Hens and Chicks: Compact and versatile, great for any fairy landscape.
- Sedum: Choose small varieties with trailing habits for added interest.
When selecting plants, consider the lighting and watering conditions of your chosen spot. Mix and match textures and heights to create depth and make your fairy garden look like a true miniature world!
**This is a sponsored posts and contains affiliate links.
This is a lovely article, Karen. We get to be a kid again.
Gail I love a little whimsy in the garden.