Terrarium: Building a Micro World of Wonder

TERRABUILDING A MICRO-WORLD OF WONDER

Living in the heart of a city Like richmond can mean giving up some pieces of nature. Although Richmond offers several pocket parks, community gardens and riverside hikes, sometimes being cramped in a tiny apartment or dorm room can leave you feeling uneasy. Richmond gives you access to overflowing thrift stores, an abundance of native plants and mini sandy beaches along the James. Using all of these locations you can build and maintain your own terrarium within your home. Building a terrarium doesn’t necessarily take a green thumb; all you really need is a little time, resources and love. Terrariums can light up any room and give off a therapeutic effect. For people like me, who require some sort of greenery in their life, terrariums are the perfect way to achieve this.

To get started on your terrarium make sure you have all materials necessary:

Glass containers – you can find these anywhere. From thrift stores to craft shops; make sure to consider your plants growth rate when buying your glass.

Plants: Choosing your plant can be vital to the designing of your ecosystem. Be sure to invest in some research of your plants to be able to accommodate their needs.

Rocks and/or pebbles: These help with drainage of water in your terrarium.

Soil: Needed for all terrariums to thrive properly.

Sand: Used with succulent plants only (cacti especially). Sand can be found along the banks of the James River. Make sure to bring a cup and a container.

Activated Charcoal/Lava Rocks: You can find these at any nearby plant store or Home Depot or Lowes. They are used for drainage and to absorb odor (Not required).

Moss: Moss is also used for drainage and decoration. You can find sheet moss at Home Depot.

TOOLS A measuring cup will help with the soil and sand, a funnel if your container has a small opening and chopsticks if you need to carefully place any accessories. (not required but helpful)

Any accessories you wish to add – this is where you can get creative with your terrarium; any fun little trinkets will work.

Once you have all of your materials you are ready to start! Make sure you have an area with plenty of space and be prepared to get your hands dirty.

STEP 1 In your glass fill the bottom with pebbles, an even layer will work

STEP 2 Put down the activated charcoal and/ or lava rocks. You don’t need to put too many down; a thin layer will work. (Optional step)

STEP 3 Add a layer of moss. The moss will work as a filter for water and help keep the soil from seeping down. (Reminder: If you are working with a succulent plant plan to add sand then the moss overtop)

STEP 3Add soil. The amount you add is up to you. Take in consideration your plant and size of terrarium.

STEP 4 Add the plants or seeds to your terrarium. Make sure to dig a large enough hole for them. Pre-grown plants will usually need a little loosening up; do this by gently dusting off some of the compacted soil.

STEP 5 Once your plant is in place give it the appropriate amount of water.

STEP 6 Add trinkets and decorations to customize your terrarium.

Presto! You have just created your own little micro-world of wonders in your home. The after care is essential for your terrarium to truly thrive and grow. Be sure to water and give enough sunlight as your plants need! Terrariums are more than just an aesthetically pleasing piece to add to your home and habitat. They also help reduce stress, provide clean indoor air, and help with productivity. That being said, if you’re not much of a DIY person get yourself over to Ellwood Thompson’s and support your local terrarium artisan!

STORY AND PHOTOS BY AUDREY MOONEY

BUILDING A MICRO-WORLD OF