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 comers 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's tears, 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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