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    Home » DIY Projects

    Fairy Garden Terrarium: Using Living Moss to Make a Sweet Gift

    November 5, 2017 by Patti Estep 2 Comments

    A fairy garden terrarium, using living moss from your own backyard, is a great way to bring the outdoors in, and makes a fabulous gift.

    Fairy garden terrarium

    I love the look of moss growing around my yard. Some of it looks grass-like while other areas have these cute little mounding shapes. How fun would it be to bring a little of this green beauty inside to admire all year long.

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    DIY Open Terrarium Craft

    February 27, 2023 by Patti Estep Leave a Comment (Edit)

     Jump to How-to Card

    Learn how to make an open terrarium with plants, moss, and a few other items for a beautiful miniature garden under glass.

    Open terrarium with a tip view.

    There's nothing prettier than a terrarium for bringing the garden into your home. I've made traditional terrariums with a closed lid. It's so interesting to watch as the entire vessel maintains it's own watering system through condensation requiring only minimal maintenance.

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    Supplies

    Large Glass Jar with Lid
    Small Rocks or Pebbles
    Activated Charcoal
    Potting Soil
    Moss
    Assorted Fairy Garden Accessories

    Moss terrarium layers

    Fairy Garden Terrarium

    • Place some small rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the jar.
    • Add some activated charcoal (found at pet stores) to help remove toxins and odors
    • Next add a layer, about 1 inch thick, of potting soil (water it first)
    Moss view in fairy garden terrarium


    Next add your living moss. I used real moss collected from my yard. You could use artificial moss for a purely decorative jar. 

    Fairy garden accessories in glass jar.

    Mist the moss with a spray bottle and complete the look with a variety of mini fairy garden accessories.

    This fairy garden terrarium is made with living moss from your backyard.

    Fairy Terrarium Care

    Water Needs

    Open the jar and mist the moss when it looks dry, about once a week, depending on the humidity level of your home. This should not be very often because the environment of a closed terrarium creates its own little ecosystem that is self watering. However, too much moisture can cause mold or other problems. If you notice a fair amount of condensation on the sides, remove the lid and let the terrarium dry out for a day or two.

    Sun Needs

    Place your terrarium somewhere with bright indirect sunlight or artificial light. The terrarium does not need direct sunlight, which make sense since it grows in the shade outdoors.

    Indoor fairy garden in a terrarium jar.

    This Fairy Living Moss Garden is a fun little project to create and watch the moss grow. It's a great way to bring a little of the outdoors in, so that you can enjoy a bit of gardening, even during the winter months. Wouldn't this make a great gift?

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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Daphne

      December 28, 2017 at 3:39 pm

      I love this idea! I live with the desert on one side and the Colorado River on the other. Normal temperatures in the summer are in the low 100's. Could it be outside in the shade? Anything above 110 I would take it inside, or what would you suggest?

      Thank you,

      Daphne

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 29, 2017 at 7:02 am

        Hi Daphne,

        If you see moss growing near you then I don't see why you couldn't try it. Shade would be the best area to try and I would keep an eye out on the moisture level. Misting the moss if it's too dry and opening the lid if there is too much moisture. Good luck and let me know how it works out.

        Reply

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