Terrariums: Nature Treasured Under Glass

Post contributed by: Jocelyne Adkins

Yes, it is July and I am adding a few final projects to our blog that were completed during the last 2 weeks of the 2011/12 school year. This takes us back to May 22nd! Do read below:

I discovered a new passion after borrowing a beautiful book from a friend titled "The New Terrarium" by Tovah Martin and photographed by Kindra Clineff. Within the book's pages are tiny plant habitats under or within glass. In one terrarium, planted moss, miniature ferns, pine cones and stones recreate the natural beauty of the woods. Another terrarium brings to mind a miniature conservatory, complete with several potted palm seedlings, a moss carpet and a twig bench. And a number of individual plants, such as lady slippers, begonias and snow drops become even more captivating, isolated under glass cloches.  

Group photo: Hayden, Brody (back), Elizabeth, Leila, Norah, Daysha, Liam, Sydney and Porter.

In "The New Terrarium", Martin also includes a segment about children and terrariums and explains that "every kid yearns to create a fantasy world all their own". She draws a parallel to tree-houses, forts and secret hideaways and writes: "It's the wonder of minutiae, it’s the illusion of magic and its the draw of the surreal that attracts children to these venues." In the making of terrariums, Martin suggests to let kids "have a ball, no restrictions, no prompting, and learning will come from doing."

student terrarium

To make our terrariums, we used glass vases, bowls and ball jars from home and purchased terrarium fern plants from "City Escapes" as well as viola plants from the farmer's market in OP. We discussed the lighting conditions required to sustain ferns (low sunlight) and violas (lots of sunlight). We also introduced the items/ingredients needed to create the terrarium, such as soil, sand, charcoal and small stones. Why charcoal? The charcoal can filter the water, sweeten the soil, and prevent stagnation and fungi in the absence of a drainage hole. We then tested our soil, which turned out to be too wet, so we mixed it with sand until it could fall apart after being squeezed in the hand. 

student terrarium

We worked in groups of 4 children, each the designer of their own terrarium. Some students brought items from home to add to their terrariums, such as small animals and characters. We also provided sea shells, pea gravel and stones. Even with a limited number of items, the students produced very unique and personal designs. I love that each child created a treasure to take home that highlights the beauty of nature! And I can't wait to make a few of my own terrariums this summer!

Hata with Emily