Terrariums

We have been designing terrariums for the Westin Providence Hotel for a few months now and people continually ask us about them. So I figured I would share some information on these beauties!!

The art of the terrarium began it's popularity in the Victorian Era. They were first called Wardian Cases named after the founder Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward. While experimenting on insect growth, he unexpectedly discovered seedling ferns and sprouts of grass blooming inside the glass bottles used for the experiment! The science of terrariums was born!

Terrariums are a collection of compatible plants grown in an enclosed or partially enclosed clear container. The plants transpire moisture through their leaves which then condenses on the glass and travels back to the soil. This so called "rain effect" allows for minimal maintenance. No green thumb needed!

These gardens can be designed as small or as large as the imagination allows. Its as easy as 1,2,3!

#1-Choosing your container. Chose a transparent container either with or without a lid. A lid will provide the most suitable environment for the plants moisture intake. Pick interesting containers for visual interest. Apothecary jars, canning jars, and dome jars make for some beautiful arrangements.

#2- Layering your foundation. Place a layer of horticulture charcoal, then a layer spaghnum moss, topped with good quality soil and finished with a layer of decorative moss and/or rocks!

#3- Planting. Select plants that have visual interest. Pick plants that are slow growing and ones that thrive in a warm stable atmosphere. Ferns, ivies, violets, begonias, bromeliads, and succulents are varieties that work well. Set your plants in your foundation, give them a bit of water and enjoy! Your done! Of course if you want to get creative go ahead!! Have fun!!