Terra (earth) Arium (enclosure for safe keeping)
I grew up on an island where Summers' were endless. Now living in the Northeast, the leaves are starting to change colors and winter is approaching. So, before the greenery fades I'm bringing a piece of summer indoors via a terrarium.
Supplies:
glass container
pebbles, sand or gravel for drainage
activated charcoal to keep air and water filtered and fresh
dirt or potting soil
moss
1. Find a glass container you like. I used the pear shaped one with the wide opening because I didn't have any activated charcoal on hand (hopefully with some air circulation no rotting will occur).
2. "All good things are wild, and free." Well, not a plane ticket to Italy. But you know what I mean. Gather small rocks, I found some in our backyard. :) Then, wash and let dry. Layer 1-3 inches to allow drainage.
3. Add a thin layer of activated charcoal if making an enclosed terrarium. Next, add soil/dirt.
4. Go for a nice walk and look in damp, shady areas for moss. Gently scrape it from the surface and arrange it over the layer of dirt. I used moss growing on our patio. My husband wants to remove it but he knows I love it. I'll hold on to any piece of wild growing in concrete suburbia!
4. Mist with water daily to keep moist and place in indirect sunlight. For an enclosed terrarium, don't add too much water because it creates it's own self-sustained watering system through evaporation and condensation.
Basic How-To's by Terrarium Man
Fun terrariums at Apartment Therapy
