My eight year old grandson came over the other day. I asked him if he’d like to make his very own fairy garden. He did.
So off we went to Lowes where I told him he could pick out three plants. He chose lavender, a small-flowered white petunia, and a box basil. We brought home potting soil and got to work.
A suggestion if you’re doing this project with your child or grandchild: I think it is a good idea to let them pick out their own plants if possible, whether from your garden or a nursery. This engages them more in the process. And hopefully spurs their interest in nature and gardening.
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| This sedum would be a good choice. |
Take them to the plants that would be appropriate for their fairy garden (smaller plants and herbs that don’t get very big), and let them choose from these selections more conducive for this project.
Herbs, succulents and sedums are excellent choices. (The above succulent and sedum garden I created a couple of weeks ago.)
Just make sure all of your plants need the same light specifications. For instance, you wouldn’t want to put Ajuga, which is more of a shade plant, with say, rosemary, which needs sun. And also take note of whether the plant needs lots of drainage or likes its feet wet.
I already had this red and white basin. I got out the drill I’d been charging while we were gone. Between the two of us, we got some drainage holes in the bottom of the basin.
The he gathered rocks to put in the bottom to direct the water down to the holes. Herbs need good drainage.
I added soil, and we situated the plants so he’d have a little room to create. He went to my back porch, where I keep odds and ends that are appropriate for fairy gardens, little miniatures I’ve picked up here and there, and made his choices.
I found him a slate of rock to put down, and he added a small Adirondack chair and a miniature fountain I had on it. He continued to decorate it with marbles and such.
I added clay feet beneath it so it would not sit in water when I watered it, as the table (which I picked up on the curb) has a lip on the outside.)
This is an excellent way to introduce a child to gardening in a whimsical, child-enticing fashion.
They love the idea of fairies playing about the garden. They can create stories about their gardens. I encouraged him to name it. So it is Riley’s Fairy World Garden.
Then watch it, and them, grow. And hopefully turn into true gardeners someday!
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What a lovely idea! And it turned out so cute! Excellent job Riley!
His fairy garden is fabulous. How fun. Hugs, Marty
What a wonderful way to introduce children to gardening! I love the fairy garden you both created.
Hugs,
Connie, IN/FL
It turned out so cute and such a great idea to get children involved!
Your grandson’s fairy garden turned out great! I like that you turned this fun activity into a teachable moment. I have found that children love gardening, and love spending time with adults. You found a fun way to educate him about plants, and he got to spend uninterrupted time with his Grandmother!
He did a great job. He’s lucky to have such an awesome grandmother!
Love it! Love the idea of teaching a child, especially letting them choose the plants – and love his creativity. It’s a perfect fairy garden. Mary
So sweet! What a wonderful idea. Love the enamelware basin.
That’s so cute…can I come over and make one too????
Job well done! The little garden has a very New England flair. He may be a natural with plants. My dad was. Anything he put a hand to grew gloriously.
What a wonderful project for you and your grandson. I bet you had a great time making memories! Have a lovely day!
I’m sure every time he comes to visit he’s going to want to go check out his Fairy Garden to see what kind of mischief is going on in there! It’s a lovely idea to share that special time with him.
You have given me inspiration for June when we shall have two small grand children with us for three weeks. I like the feet on the enamel bowl.
That is so cute- I love it- We just made one the other day in an old wheelbarrow and the kids had SOOO much fun. You are right to let them help pick out the plants. It does create an investment in the project- xo Diana
I was just explaining to my neighbor last night that she could create one for her deck. I just got my fairy garden set up again. This is a great idea for children and adults! Good advice about the plants!
Riley’s Fairy World Garden looks very well done by a young man. I’m sure he enjoyed making the garden with Grandmom’s advice.. He will treasure his garden because he had a hand in creating it.
You gave us all a great tutorial, so when we make our own *Fairy garden* is will turn out just like Riley’s.
I like the feet that are under the pan that holds such a cute garden, also the pieces that Riley picked out to put in his creation.
How lucky you were to find the little white table on a curb. It’s perfect for your yard. Will it stay white or be painted a bright color ?
I’m still waiting to get to the garden center to pick out
the plants for my succulent garden. Maybe next weekend..
Have a happy week ahead.
Hugs, Charlotte
That is so charming. I want to make one of my own too!
What a sweet thing to do with your grandson. I bet he is going to start taking a special interest in all that you do in your garden. I was always fascinated by my grandfather and his green thumb. I just trailed after him in his garden, asking questions! You are a great example for Riley to follow!
XO,
Jane
You are so great at everything Brenda. Even fairies couldn’t do a better job.
x
C
It looks so sweet, I love the red and white enamel round…and good idea to use the plant legs…hope your enjoying your day …with love Janice
Brenda,
Thanks for your visit. Your blog is one of the first I read everyday. Your yards are looking really good. I know it’s a lot of hard work, but it pays off.
Love your grandson’s garden. He did a great job.
Have a good week!
Awww….that is so sweet! I like the idea of doing this for little ones. Her little garden looks great!
what a special time with your grandson! I’m sure he’ll never for get making that garden with you and may, someday, make one with his kids! ~ Maureen
What a sweet fairy garden!! Brenda your grandson did an excellent job and picked out the perfect flowers! Love your pot full of succulents too!
I think it’s wonderful to instill a love of gardening in children when they are young! Great project.
Happy Memorial Day,
blessings,
karianne
We did something similar when my girls were little, only they planted radishes and carrots in the garden, watered their little rows and watched everyday for the plants to sprout. They were so happy to be able to pull up real veggies and say they planted them. They were also happy to eat what they planted. It helps children learn to love different foods. This could easily be done as a container garden. I think the fairy tale garden is also an excellent idea to introduce children to gardening.
Susanne
How wonderful for you and your grandson to get to spend such time together. The fairy garden project turned out great, and he probably will want to come and help you with the rest of the garden now that you’ve gotten him involved.
Sounds like your grandson takes after you in some ways!
Two things-
What a great time to be had and remembered with your grandson; I always have the best fun planting and working with Bree in the garden.
Secondly, thanks for posting a picture of the Sedum and labeling it!
Someone just gave me a pot of it…and we couldn’t remember WHAT it was called!
They said ‘Hens and Chicks’ –and while I think some people call it that, it is not what I remembered Hens and chicks to look like. Does Sedum have a ‘common name’? or nick-name?
thanks, enjoy your garden always!
Pat
What a lovely idea xx
This is a great project. I love especially the little feet under the pot (and good for air circulation and drainage) and your choice of container. Your grandkids are lucky to have a creative grandmom!
Brenda, that is so adorable. I love it. It is good for the soul to believe in fairies.