I read somewhere that fairy gardens are not the same as miniature gardens, but the difference is largely lost on me. When I’ve crafted gardens in miniature in the past, I let my imagination wander.
Do I believe in fairies?
No.
Do I like to imagine fairies stopping in for a visit?
You bet!
Like many hobbies, you can go all out or you can pair down to what feels right for you. I take the latter approach and have fun.
I’ve enjoyed making furniture for the imaginary visitors, and I’m grateful for the lovely miniature furniture gifted from friends over the years. I’ve even bought a few pieces on my own.
I fashioned a New Zealand-inspired mini garden after a group of blogging friends met there in March of 2018. It was a trip of a lifetime.
The Hobbiton facade lasted a couple of years, but the materials eventually gave way to the elements.
The refashioned garden is now more of a tribute to New Zealand and a reminder of my dear friend Pauline. I miss her in the real world and I miss her presence in our blogging community. If you’re a regular reader, you’re surely missing Pauline as well.
On a hurried day in the garden earlier this year, I happened upon an unearthed hyacinth bulb. I looked around for a suitable spot and found the miniature New Zealand garden the easiest place for a quick dig. Of course, the bulb took hold, flowered, and is now entering its resting phase. I will find it a proper home, but for now, it towers over New Zealand Mini.
A nasturtium seedling also took root, providing a nifty umbrella for my New Zealand glass sheep, a gift from our hosts. As soon as the San Jose heat descends, the nasturtium will be ready to move on as well.
I purchased two of the miniature plants you see online from a shop called TwoGreenThumbs. It’s hard to find small-scale plants at our local nursery, and nearly impossible now with COVID. It’s nice to support a small business, and fun getting living plants in the mail. Both times I ordered, Janit tucked in a tiny gift. Check out these miniature gardening boots.
Listen,
Issa
all creeping things –
the bell of transience.
Written in loving memory of Pauline, artist, friend, and blogger extraordinaire.
So much creativity goes into your fairy gardens, using recycled goodies re-imagined as garden accessories. I have you to thank for this sweet hobby. I laughed at your little lamb peeking out of the plants. I have mine on the roof of a woodland house too. I’ve got a fern climbing out of the garden and up the blind now, it’s a jungle over there, ha! xxooK
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your fairy garden creations are a delight, and you always manage a clever poem to go with their debut. I still have the little set of dishes and the wonderful sign you gifted me last year, waiting for inspiration. I received a small terrarium for Christmas from C, but it’s too small for the cute sign. I miss being able to prowl second-hand shops for just the right container. Will Boomdeeadda share her lovely garden? xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You just never know were Boomdeeadda will end up 🤣
LikeLike
Oh…now that sounds like a tease. I hope there is more to come. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can often see a fairy garden somewhere nobody has thought of one. Little openings, sweet mosses and such. It’s nice to create a world, isn’t it? Even if ephemeral. Pauline would have liked the serendipity of the bulb!
LikeLike
I do the same thing, Lisa. I’ve been in your beautiful neighborhood, so I can imagine you spotting several locations. It is nice creating a world.
I like to think Pauline would smile over that bulb as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sweet and wonderful.
LikeLike
Thank you, Cindy.
LikeLike
Aren’t those boots sweet?! Your miniature gardens are so inspiring Alys and one day I will attempt one. The thought that goes into your little gardens is wonderful and you have really captured the magic of fairies there. Who knows, perhaps one will move in one day and surprise you?!! 😉
LikeLike
The boots are sweet and so realistic, too. They went missing for awhile but I was able to uncover them in the pot.
Thank you for your kind words. I think you’d enjoy a miniature garden, Cathy, perhaps something in a container near your door. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sensible fun and a fine tribute to Pauline – a much missed blogging friend. We are so pleased you managed to visit her after her trip to you.
LikeLike
Derrick, it was brillant spending time with Pauline in two countries. What an extraordinary time we had. Our group dynamics worked well, which is really saying something when you spend time in close quarters. We all enjoyed each other’s company. I’ve had many phone chats with Pauline since, and we exchanged emails as well. I miss her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We didn’t have the phone calla, but exchanged cards and gifts. Rather than wait for her birthday, I sent her a book a few months before. She did manage to read it. Pauline was always my first blog reader with her morning coffee. If I was late she got anxious. Jackie and I both miss her.
LikeLike
What a beautiful post and tribute to Pauline. I know she inspired us all and you inspired my mini fairy garden experiments. I think I believe in fairies. I certainly want to believe in them. 😉 Your little gardens are just so wonderful. I’m going up on the hill and look in the debris of tree trimmings to see what I can find. Thanks for this.
LikeLike
I love your fairy gardens. They appeal to the little girl in me, the one that used to make gardens in saucers, and hope that the fairies would come. They did too, and even left me letters that I still have somewhere….
Pauline was such a dear soul, who accepted and encouraged all who came to her. Travelling with her must have been a joyous hoot! She is missed in our blogging world, and in your real world.
LikeLike
Oh Anne! Fairy gardens in a saucer sound delightful. I’m so glad they sent letters, and that you had presence of mind to keep them. If you unearth them, they will make a charming blog post.
Pauline always made me laugh. She had a terrific sense of humour and a great laugh. We spoke of many serious things, too. Traveling together was great fun. I loved seeing how close she was with her daughters as well. I’m in touch with both of them on a regular basis. They’re lovely women as well. xo
LikeLike
I have my New Zealand sheep on my desk at work! Yours looks right at home … and I love those boots.
LikeLike
Those boots are darling. I love that your sheep keeps you company at work.
LikeLike