I have a half barrel planter that I want to turn into a fairy garden. Where do I start? What plkants are really good in this? I want to use some dwarf hostas to start. Suggestion, themes, etc. Help!

Hi Mainiac, I'm certainly no expert in this area as I'm just getting started with fairy gardens myself, but I think dwarf hostas would be great plants to use. Most sempervivum (as miniature bushes) and sedum (as grass/groundcover) work well because of their small size. Not sure what zone you're in, but if it's a warm one haworthias look good, many miniature conifers are small enough to use, thyme, and moss. I love the way this fairy house is hidden in the plants in this picture: http://media.oregonlive.com/hg...

Themes? I guess they're as varied as people themselves. I've seen some really cute ones that are just a garden theme with mini tools, wheelbarrows, trellis, arbors, fences, stepping stones, tiny sempervivum planted in rows like garden plants, etc. Forest themes are nice with "streams" made from colored pebbles, a hammock to relax in tiny critters scattered around, mushrooms. Backyard themes with picnic tables, swings, birdhouses, table and chairs, etc. The fact that you're using a half barrel is great because you'll have so much room to work with!

Please be sure to post pictures. I'd love to see what you come up with!

Have you looked through some of the discussions (and pics) here? Not sure if you're asking with help getting the barrel ready, or what else to plant with the Hostas? Since Hostas are perennials, I wonder if you wanted other perennials or are more tender plants desirable also?

I'm new to it too, but not really into fairies, so mine will be called just mini garden. But if I was doing a fairy garden, of course I'd need fairies. They could be just hanging around, hiding in the plants, or there could be a little scene with a building or table and chairs. I've spent a lot of time looking at tons of pics and blogs and reading these discussions to expose myself to as many ideas as possible. It's taken weeks but a mental image of what I want to create is becoming more clear. When I can see it clearly, I'll be ready.

Hi Ramona, I too will be building a fairy garden this spring. I have been collecting off and on for about 3 years now. I just purchased some mini hosta's on ebay for it. I got .....

LEMONTINI ~ 7 INCHES TALL BRIGHT GOLD LEAVES LAVENDER FLOWERS

CRACKER CRUMBS ~ 5 INCHES HIGH GOLD CENTERS WITH GREEN MARGIN, WAVY

PLUG NICKLE ~ HEIGHT 6 INCHES LEAVES DARK GREEN FLOWERS ARE PURPLE

I've also been checking out moss, thyme, miniature roses, hens and chickens, and I have one of these so I think if it's not to large i'll incorporate it.
Picea 'Pixie'
http://www.songsparrow.com/201...

Hi Pixie,

Of course you'd have Picea 'Pixie'! I do love that little conifer....I've been looking at that from Song Sparrow for a couple of years now, just admiring it so far though. Miniature hostas would also be perfect in a fairy garden. What kind of a container will you be using, or are you making it right in the ground?

I was going to make it in an old wheelbarrow but I think I have acquired to many piece now. LOL





Thats just a few....the first house is a solar house.

Those are some very nice pieces. Love the first little cottage with the window boxes. Solar house? Very cool! Maybe you'll just have to make more than one if it won't all fit in the wheelbarrow...

Thank Chris, I think i'll pick a spot by the pond and go from there.
The solar house had me BECAUSE of those window boxes!!
http://www.efairies.com/store/...

A pond sounds like a perfect area for a fairy garden! Can't wait to see pictures.

Thanks for the encouragement....now if Mother nature would stop sending snow I might get it started.

...so did you make a mini garden?
watching and waiting

Not yet, have picked up a few more pieces. Fairy's need company, can't have them being lonely. :)

Those are some adorable pieces.

so cute

I set up a small portion, not by the pond as they are still working around it. (Bulldozer & tractors)

Great start Pixie! You've got some really cute pieces in there. I love the little rock owl. What is the tiny plant in front of the arbor? Second row, left picture.

Looks like someone has been having fun

Thats a baby Helleborus , I will be moving the trellis in front of it next year me thinks. :)

Yes, I've been playing and enjoying it immensely!