The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Perfect, Tiny Fairy Garden (2024)

Nancy Mitchell

Nancy Mitchell

As a former Senior Writer at Apartment Therapy, Nancy split her time among looking at beautiful pictures, writing about design, and photographing stylish apartments in and around NYC.

updated Jul 23, 2020

Save

comments

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Perfect, Tiny Fairy Garden (1)

See More Images

I’ve always been drawn to tiny things. When I was little, I loved dollhouses. As an adult, I relish the challenge of squeezing a tiny garden into the available space in my tiny apartment. So writing this post about fairy gardens was a sweet little journey for me, because fairy gardens combine the joys of growing things and the joy of creating tiny, perfect little worlds. Whether you’re already convinced and looking for ideas, or you’re new to this tiny world, I invite you to come along with me, to a place where the landscapes you create can be as small as the space you have, and as big as your imagination.

Fairy Garden Ideas

See More Images

This overhead view from The Mini Gardener is a good introduction to the world of fairy gardens. Within a fairly typical planter, it creates a tiny world, with small-scale plants that resemble trees and bushes but are only a few inches tall. The miniature path, and the miniature accessories like the table and chairs, complete the impression being inside a tiny, whimsical little world.

See More Images

This fairy garden from Homestead Greenhouse, situated inside a large terra cotta pot, has a wilder, more overgrown appearance, like an English garden. (The tiny plants in tiny pots are a nice touch.)

See More Images

Tons of individual dried beans make up a walkway in this miniature garden from Beneath the Ferns, which just shows you some of the creativity, detail and time that goes into making these little worlds. Also lead image above.

Most fairy gardens are built to resemble an actual garden, but this one, from Doodle Birdie, mimics a natural landscape. As such, it feels a bit less cutesy and more modern than some of the other options out there, and is a great habitat for your less domesticated fairies. (This terrarium is also available for purchase, although at $242.10 it’s quite a bit more expensive than making your own.)

See More Images

This fairy garden, from Burgh Baby, occupies a galvanized tub and is quite a bit larger than many others that you see. The flowering plants are a nice touch.

See More Images

This fairy garden, a 2014 contest winner from The Magic Onions, really digs in hard (was that a pun?) on creating an imaginary world. Whether you choose to emphasize the fairy part or the garden part, there’s a lot of scope for the imagination when it comes to these tiny gardens.

See More Images

And don’t feel like you need to stick to the same theme. Here’s one from Etsy that’s a carnival garden, instead of the traditional magical fare. (It’s also available as a fairy garden kit for $89.95.)

See More Images

And then, sometimes there’s no container needed. Can you imagine just randomly stumbling across this one in the woods? It was made by Elowezil, and it really is magical, down to the door leading “into” the tree.

Fairy Garden Supplies

See More Images

Where do you get all this tiny stuff, anyway? A good place to start is at craft stores that sell dollhouse furniture and miniatures, which are the perfect scale for fairy gardens as well.

  • Etsy is a treasure trove for tiny handmade furniture and garden decor, as well as the plants themselves. Above, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/226118060/irish-celtic-fairy-garden-teepee-limited" fit class_name: show_pin_button: show_image_credits:>Fairy Elements sells these tiny teepees, hammocks and bunting that are too cute for words. Check out the mini outdoor campfire with mini s’mores from Hello Little Cloud.
  • If you’re looking for something very specific, Factory Direct Craft has a great selection online, including a lot of very convincing outdoor furniture. There are also dollhouse-centric websites like Miniature Marketplace and Miniatures.com.
  • When it comes to finding tiny plants that will thrive in a small pot, your best resource is your local garden center, where experts can recommend plantings that will work with your climate. For online shopping, the Two Green Thumbs shop has lots of mini plants.
  • Don’t forget the dollhouse section of big box chains like Joann, Michaels, or Hobby Lobby.

Fairy Garden Kits

See More Images

If you’d prefer not to source all the items on your own, but the idea of creating a fairy garden appeals to you, there are plenty of places to buy kits. These also make great gifts all boxed up, like the one from the Felted Tree on Etsy, above. It’s got everything you need to create a fairy garden except the dirt and plants, including a miniature house and fence.

  • This fairy garden kit from the Home Depot is just $14.99. You won’t get any plants, but it does include a polyresin house, an arbor, fencing, and outdoor furniture. (The furniture and the house are on completely different scales, so if that sort of thing bothers you, don’t buy this kit.)
  • If you really want to go nuts, you can buy this grab bag of cutesy, outdoorsy miniatures from The Felted Tree on Etsy, starting at $14.35.
  • This little garden kit is perfect for a smaller miniature garden, with two plants, a paving kit, and a tiny birdbath. It’s $29.99 from Janit on Etsy. All you need is dirt and a pot.
  • If you’re looking for just plants, this set of three from Hirts Gardens is a good place to start. It’s just $14, and you get miniature plants, sheet moss, and even potting soil.

DIY Fairy Gardens

Looking for a step-by-step intro to the world of fairy gardens? Here are some beautiful, inspiring gardens whose creators were kind enough to include step-by-step instructions for creating them.

See More Images

The good people at Craftuts+ walk us through the steps required to create a gorgeous miniature re-creation of Bilbo’s home at Bag End. There are lots of great details here, and also helpful tips for any kind of miniature garden, Middle Earth-themed or not.

See More Images

For those working with really really small spaces, there’s this tiny teacup miniature garden from Life is a Party.

See More Images

On the other hand, this fairy garden setup from By Stephanie Lynn provides plenty of space for different plantings, with step-by-step introductions for setting up the nested pots.

See More Images

The folks at Lush Little Landscapes have lots of ideas for miniature gardens — there are project ideas, but also suggestions for plants that will thrive in a very very small space.

See More Images

Over at Empress of Dirt, Janet Calvo has all kinds of recommendations for the best plants for miniature gardens.

Fairy Garden Containers

Many fairy gardens use planters, terra cotta pots, or galvanized buckets as their base, but anything that holds dirt will do. (Preferably it would be something with drainage holes in the bottom, to prevent your plants from getting waterlogged.) I’ve seen teacups used for smaller setups, and wheelbarrows for larger ones. Whatever you decide to use, make sure it’s waterproof — and if it’s not, protect it with a plastic inner liner.

Okay now — time to get (fairy) gardening!

Filed in:

DIY

Gardening

Outdoor Plants & Spaces

Project Ideas

Small Spaces

The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Perfect, Tiny Fairy Garden (2024)

FAQs

How to create a fairy garden step by step? ›

Fairy Garden
  1. Step 1: Gather Your Materials. This is what you need: ...
  2. Step 2: Begin Assembling the Garden. ...
  3. Step 3: Fill With Soil. ...
  4. Step 4: Build Stairway. ...
  5. Step 5: Add the Plants. ...
  6. Step 6: Embellish! ...
  7. Step 7: Your Fairy Garden.

What are the rules for a fairy garden? ›

RULES OF THUMB
  • Don't use iron or nickel in the fairy garden as they will repel your fairies.
  • Fairies appreciate when you recycle, compost and garden organically.
  • Perfect playmates for fairies are fireflies, ladybugs and butterflies.
  • Fairies have an affection for honey, sugar and sweet cakes.

What is the story behind fairy gardens? ›

It has long been thought that if you provide fairies with a home and leave it in a quiet area of the house, woods or garden, they might thank you by bringing you good luck and happiness. A Fairy Garden can be as small as a tea cup or as large as any garden in nature.

What kind of soil do you use in a fairy garden? ›

For most types of fairy gardens a standard soil recipe is two parts commercial soil, one part peat moss or compost. Never use soil excavated from your outside garden as container plants are pickier and that dirt might be prone to weeds. Fill the container halfway with the soil mixture and get ready to plant.

How to make a mini garden? ›

Start by drawing a rough sketch of how you want your garden to look. Fill your container with compost or soil to create a base for your garden. Build your pathways and any solid buildings first, then add in your smaller decorations. Leave anything that's delicate until last, so it doesn't get covered in soil.

How do you make a secret fairy garden? ›

Gathering supplies for your fairy garden is like going on a treasure hunt! You'll need a container to hold your magical world, some potting soil to keep your plants happy, and of course, lots of cute accessories to bring it all together. Don't forget to add a sprinkle of fairy dust for that extra touch of magic!

How do I attract fairies to my fairy garden? ›

Rocks—fairies are attracted to all kinds of shiny stones like agate, quartz, or crystal. Use them to decorate your garden and give the little ones a place to sit. Shiny things—fairies love to look at their reflection, so include shiny things like a mirror or a dish of water in your garden design.

What do you put under a fairy garden? ›

Many fairy gardens use planters, terra cotta pots, or galvanized buckets as their base, but anything that holds dirt will do. (Preferably it would be something with drainage holes in the bottom, to prevent your plants from getting waterlogged.)

What crystal attracts fairies? ›

If you are looking to attract fairies, interdimensional Earth beings, and other natural spirits, we suggest you use Peridot. While if you are looking to connect with the ethereal beings, the higher spiritual planes, psychic visions, or past lives, we suggest using Sapphire.

What does a fairy garden symbolize? ›

In literature and art, garden fairies serve as powerful symbols of innocence, wonder, and the magic of the natural world. Their presence in stories and paintings often evokes a sense of nostalgia for childhood, when the boundary between reality and imagination was more fluid.

Are fairy gardens still popular in 2024? ›

But hear us out. Large houseplants are going to remain incredibly popular but so are miniature indoor gardens. Add some whimsy to your home with terrariums, bonsai, or even fairy gardens. Terrariums will be especially popular this year for this trend and we have everything you need to get started!

Which two things do most fairy gardens have? ›

“The basic elements of a fairy garden are miniature plants, fairies and their friends [like dogs, cats and ducks] and accessories,” says Bawden-Davis. “Accessories run the gamut, from tiny watering pails to little rakes and hoes to birdbaths, benches, gazebos and gazing globes.

What does a fairy garden need? ›

All you need for an indoor fairy garden is a pot or planter, some small plants, garden or potting soil and whimsical accessories. Fairy gardens are also ideal for outdoor nooks, flower beds and borders, outdoor containers and even children's wagons, carts or wheelbarrows.

How to make a fairy house easy? ›

To make a fairy house, start by decorating a piece of cardboard or scrap wood with pebbles, moss, or grass to use as a base for your house. Next, stack twigs like Lincoln logs to make walls for the house, using wood glue to keep them together. You'll also want to leave a hole for the door.

How to make a succulent fairy garden? ›

Fill your container with a potting mix formulated for cacti and succulents. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Take care not to wet the leaves of your succulents. Place your miniature, succulent fairy garden in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 6285

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.