Fairy Gardens: Small Scale, Big Impact
Gardening Newsletter
Vol. 9, Issue 3 - March 2014
Be prepared to bring a little magic into your garden when you create a fairy garden. (Photographed at Bonnie Bews’
Hinterglas Studio in Muskoka, Ontario)
Fairy gardens are a terrific way to introduce little ones to gardening while allowing their creativity to roam
free. Unlike a conventional garden that takes years to develop, a fairy garden can be a reality in a few weeks,
days or even hours, as is the case with a small container version made at a fairy garden workshop. During
the process, children learn about plant selection and care, both valuable lessons for future gardeners.
Additionally, a fairy garden located in a wooded area where insects, birds and small animals frequent
exposes young minds to the wonders of nature.
These gardens differ widely in terms of materials used, size and location. A smaller fairy garden is often
made in a container (a recycled planter, urn, birdbath, etc.), whereas a larger fairy village often occupies a
spot in the garden. If children tire of the original spot, it’s usually quite easy to move to a new one. Figures
such as fairies, pixies, gnomes and sprites are commonly found in most fairy gardens, although the cast of
characters may also include toy animals, trolls and even dinosaurs. Some of the structures and accessories
include miniature versions of hobbit and fairy houses, barns, bridges, garden sheds, wishing wells and
arbors.
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Fairy Gardens: Small Scale, Big Impact
Gardening Newsletter
Vol. 9, Issue 3 - March 2014
Peter Rabbit escapes from Mr. McGregor’s clutches via the fairy garden. (Hinterglas Studio)
Designing a Fairy Garden
A fairy garden starts with a theme. It may be a woodland or cottage garden, a jungle, a narrative from a
storybook — the possibilities are endless. The theme not only guides the design and the features included
in the garden, it also tells a story. Realism is another important aspect in a fairy garden and can be achieved
by using proper scale relationships. A fairy princess should not dwarf her fairy house, and a troll should
be able to fit under his bridge. Forced perspective makes the garden look larger and can be achieved by
placing smaller sizes of the same objects further back in the garden. The locations and poses of figurines
are critical for adding animation to the garden. This can be achieved by suspending figures such as fairies
from branches or placing them in working poses. To add mystery to the fairy garden, locate it under a
grove of low-branching trees, the hollow of an old log, between the surface roots of an old tree or under the
overhang of a rock. For safety reasons, ensure it is within sight and hearing range of caregivers.
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Fairy Gardens: Small Scale, Big Impact
Gardening Newsletter
Vol. 9, Issue 3 - March 2014
A fairy shelter under a hollow mossy log with milkweed pod chairs and a soft bed of grass seed heads.
Plant Choices
The plants selected should be in scale with their environment. They should also be tough and have multiseason interest. For shady locations, mosses, lichens, small ferns, ivies, shade-tolerant bugleweed and
miniature hostas such as the mouse-ears types come to mind. For sunny locations, good choices include
rock-garden and alpine plants such as miniature sempervivums, sedums, thyme, Irish and Scotch mosses,
mazus and dwarf epimediums.
In most locations, dwarf or miniature conifer cultivars work well. I particularly like those of false cypress
and mugo pine. Look for cultivar names such as ‘Teeny’, ‘Princess’, ‘Pygmy’, ‘Elfin’, ‘Pixie’, ‘Midget’, ‘Tom
Thumb’ and ‘Micro’. Another option is to grow your own seedling trees and shrubs and use them shortly
after germination. When they grow to become out of scale with the fairy garden, move them to other
permanent locations.
You can also buy seasonal plants such as spring crocuses, bury them in the fairy garden and remove
them after their bloom period. Rosemary and lavender species can be pruned to mimic tree and shrub-like
shapes. Don’t be shy about trying a few bonsai plants too. Be sure to check with your local plant societies
and nurseries for the hardiness and suitability of your selections in your growing conditions.
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Fairy Gardens: Small Scale, Big Impact
Gardening Newsletter
Vol. 9, Issue 3 - March 2014
Adorable little flower fairies sun themselves while sitting on a patch of sempervivum.
Sourcing Other Components
There are endless other ways to add realism to your fairy garden.
Small stones can be used to create a patio or walkway. You could
also position a bridge, made out of a tongue depressor, over a
small creek lined with pea gravel or crushed brick. Tinfoil partly
hidden in the ground gives the suggestion of a reflecting pool. A
miniature toy wheel barrow, shovel or rake makes a good addition
to the vegetable garden area.
There are companies that sell a full range of products specifically
for fairy gardens. Aquarium- and terrarium-supply outlets may also
prove helpful. Architectural components such as doors, windows,
gates and life-like miniature trees and shrubs can be acquired
from model-building suppliers. One of my preferred sources is the
local thrift shop, where I have found many miniature treasures.
Toys and dollhouse figures can often be found at garage sales.
My three-year-old granddaughter loves children’s jewellery boxes
with hinged lids that open to reveal a figurine. They’re easy for her
to manipulate and she can hide fairy dust (household flour) inside.
Fairy gardens also provide a great opportunity to repurpose
objects that might otherwise be discarded. An old bird house with
a mossy roof can easily be retrofitted with operable windows and
doors to become a hobbit house in which children can hide things,
as they so love to do.
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Fairy Gardens: Small Scale, Big Impact
Gardening Newsletter
Vol. 9, Issue 3 - March 2014
A little fairy house with a roof made out of acorns is nestled in among various plants. (Hinterglas Studio)
A Few Cautions
Fairy gardens require varying degrees of maintenance, depending on the materials used and where you
live. In climates with four seasons, pottery and ceramic dish components likely need to come indoors
in winter or, at the least, be covered with special insulated tarps. In container fairy gardens, water and
fertilizer requirements must be closely monitored. You’ll also need to stay on top of plant pruning to ensure
the integrity of the scale relationships. Painting, staining and waterproofing of wood materials is another
likely task. Natural components such as acorns, seeds and twigs may fall prey to squirrels and chipmunks.
Household pets should be kept away from the site to avoid disruption. Creating a defined border (a miniature
fence or cobble wall) around the garden is helpful to keep human feet from inadvertently trampling the little
garden. Remember to keep replacement items on hand, just in case.
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Fairy Gardens: Small Scale, Big Impact
Gardening Newsletter
Vol. 9, Issue 3 - March 2014
Signage can also help to keep human feet from trampling the tiny fairy village.
Be mindful of the children’s safety when using glass, mirrors and pointed objects. Discourage them from
leaving food at the fairy garden, as this attracts ants, bees and nightly visits from raccoons. Educate
youngsters not to put objects in their mouths or to disturb the plants.
Fairy gardens are a fun project the whole family can participate in. They’re sure to create many fond
memories of time spent at these special places.
Text by Frank Kershaw
Photos by Marnie Wright
Frank Kershaw is an award-winning horticulturist with thirty-five years’ experience. He teaches garden
design and horticultural courses at George Brown College in Toronto, Ontario, and at the Toronto Botanical
Garden. Frank is also a presenter at the Lee Valley Tools Ltd. seminars at the Toronto stores.
Marnie Wright ([email protected]) is a lifelong gardener, writer and passionate garden
photographer. Her Rocksborough Garden, developed over thirty years, is located in Bracebridge, Ontario.
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