Green Plants, wherever they grow, are not only visually
pleasing and mentally soothing, but also help in unfolding freshness and
spreading pure air all the time.These could be brought to the interiors also
in the form of miniature gardens.These living corners at home look like miniature gardens, green jewels or emeralds. Miniature gardens could make for
green spots in both outdoor and interior spaces.
In a miniature garden, a group of plants are grown
together creating a special landscape. It is grown in a container that can
range from a shallow tray to a rubber tyre. The uniqueness of this garden is
that an entire spectrum of plants and blossoms could be had on the table top if
required. The choice of plants depends on the theme to be projected. This refreshing
concept is normally employed to create interest within an existing garden,
terrace or balcony. All the main features of a garden are present in this novel idea that can have themes, special furniture, and ornaments. Miniature gardens
are not the same as either of the terrariums or bonsais, for all the three
areas are individually different from the other.
Design:
A miniature garden looks deceptively simple. In addition
to the selection of plants, the most crucial aspect is placing them in the right
manner which makes all the difference. If planning to set it on a table or in
the centre of a lawn or garden, the viewing angle is 360 degrees. Therefore,
the plants should be placed in such a manner that the viewing pleasure is pretty much uniform from any direction. If the location is in a comer or
against a wall, the viewing pleasure must be optimized for an excellent frontal
view.
The below eye level setup must have appropriate landscaping with ground
cover getting more prominence. It will be better to make a few rough sketches
before deciding on the design. Next the concept of the theme could be decided.
A theme will make the selection of plants and accessories easier. Microclimates
can be created in this garden by having shady plants growing in the shelter of
tall plants. The themes can range from magical to abstract. Creation of stony
pathways or grassy mounds could be formed. A herb-filled miniature garden will
be lovely for the kitchen's window box.
Base:
The base of the miniature garden can be as exotic or
creative as per individual liking. A flat iron or cement tray is a good choice
to create a landscape that has more ground cover than foliage. A basket or a
big plastic bowl can take in sweeping foliage. A choice of slightly bigger
plants needs comparatively bigger holders like a cement trough or a stone sink.
For an eye-level view, one of the available cement birdbaths will be a perfect selection. Odd and unusual receptacles which are easy to move around could be
thought of. An iron bucket, a wheelbarrow, or any such garden relic that has
been discarded to the comers can be reclaimed for this purpose. The base must
be filled with a mixture that is usually used for potted plants.
Plants:
Selection of plants for a miniature garden is an
extremely difficult preposition than for the usual garden. Plants can either
make or mar this kind of garden. As with any garden, some plants are chosen for
ground cover, some for foliage and some for color. The miniature variety is
hard to find. From what is commonly available, green moss, clovers, miniature
variety of ixora, ferns like maiden hair and birds next, and certain succulents
like jade necklace are suitable. Foliage is taken care of by having baby'stears, Kenilworth or thyme. Ground cover can be laid with moss, ivy, wheat germ
grass or Corsican mint depending on the topography.
Accessories:
After the designing part is done and selection of plants
is over, it is time to take stock of accessories for visual appeal. But nothing
has to be unnecessarily filled in a miniature garden. Pebbles, seashells, and
geodes are good to create a pleasant ambience. Unusually shaped rocks can be
covered with ivy. Cocktail umbrellas and satay sticks are also useful. One good
source for accessories is aquarium shops where miniature bridges, figurines and
animal figures are available. An old doll house, castle or any such whimsical accessory will be nice to create a fairyland theme. A trellis can be fashioned
with a gutter cover and a pergola can be fashioned out of suitably shaped stone
slivers.
After the creation of the miniature garden which has
demanded all the efforts and creativity, it has to be looked after well by
regular watering and pruning whenever needed.
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Great Article! Very informative blog.
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