How to Find Inspiration for Your First Miniature Garden

The old adage is true: "you never know when inspiration will strike". Even now, I am writing this article in my truck in-between work and my yoga class. These are rare moments for self-reflection to thinking about what truly excites me and enhances my life. Anything that adds value or purpose is something to consider when planning your fairy garden. We take that inspiration from the world around us such as pop-culture, social media, and our own experiences. Scrolling through the pages of miniature accessories and selecting minis becomes easier when you connect these items to memories that personally remind you of a happy time in your life.

When I started working with miniature gardens, I was completely overwhelmed how a single mini-garden could make me feel such incredible nostalgia. Growing up with an artistic mother who had creative gardening friends gave me a vague idea of what a fairy garden was. My first experience with mini-gardens occurred when I saw a schoolhouse scene spread across a large container that was created out of garden pavers and 3D dimensions designed by using soil to create hills. From far away it looked impressive. As you moved closer to the mini-garden, it became obvious that the details in the scene and in all the accessories were carefully chosen and even more carefully placed to instantly transport you back in time. Really, my first thought was who made this? How did they make it? Why did they pick this theme?

When I see a vintage red schoolhouse I think of memories of novels read, movies watched, and school trips to visit farmhouses. To create the perfect school layout you need a schoolhouse swings, a flag, a bus, and a few playful fairies sprinkled throughout this scene. You can set up your garden in a style that brightens you and makes you happy.

For example, I would relate my school yard creation to a farm theme by adding a nearby barn and farmhouse to the miniature garden. I would want the scene to resemble my vision of a field trip I took in fifth grade. Every time I looked at my fairy garden, I would feel that connection back to my elementary school days, to a simpler time in my life and my young school friends.

At the end of the day, you need to be inspired from within yourself. Do not select fairy garden supplies on a whim – you need to sit down and think about your connection to the theme and the pleasure it will bring you as a festive addition to your home.