Creating A Lawn For The Fairy Garden

By Author: Florence Blum
Total Articles: 69
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It is no secret—garden fairies love to play outside. No matter how cozy their fairy cottages might be, fairy garden residents can often be found frolicking among the miniature plants, hosting picnics under miniature trees, and dancing with friends. No matter the weather (though cloudless, sunshine-filled days are certainly preferred), fairies are bound to be enjoying the great outdoors.

As you plot and plant your fairy gardens, do you create large, open green spaces? It may be worth considering planting a green lawn for your fairies, as then they can spread out for games of stickball, elaborate tea parties, and other active pursuits.
A lawn provides a backdrop for family BBQs, gives fairies a spot to park their camping trailers, and makes the perfect spot for a bonfire. If you have never before considered planting a lawn for your fairies, now is the time. No need to invest in the type of grass you use for a “life-size” lawn. Whether your fairy garden is built in your yard or in a container, there are plenty of ground cover options that will quickly and beautifully create a lawn for your fairy garden.

For green foliage that forms a thick carpet, look no further thanLeptinella, Fairy Fern. This ground cover plant works well between stepping stones even grows in shady areas. Beginning gardeners will appreciate this plant, as it grows well in a wide variety of soil and light conditions. Just be sure to avoid hot, sunny spots. This miniature plant can scorch. Trim or mow it back at the end of summer in order to keep your fairy lawn tidy.

If your fairy garden has a mystical, magical theme, you might consider the “black” variety that grows in a dark, deep purple color. Leptinella squalida, Platt’s Black is a unique ground cover that spreads by rhizomes. It can take some foot traffic, so feel free to plant it between miniature stepping stones, including those leading up to the front or back door of a fairy cottage. In early summer, you will notice button-like flowers, followed by fruit, but neither of these is particularly showy.

For a hilly, leafy effect, gardeners should try Elfin Thyme. This green, compact, creeping ground cover plant forms small hummocks. For a more horizontal or flat look, plant it where it can receive at least five hours of sun each day. As a fairy lawn, it grows small, glossy leaves and teeny-tiny blossoms. Elfin Thyme is tolerant of heat and drought, and it is even resistant to deer and rabbit. This makes it a low-maintenance and forgiving miniature plant for your fairy lawn.

For a bright green lawn that will look attractive and inviting near any fairy cottage, consider Selaginella kraussiana, better known as Spikemoss. The creeping stems of this miniature plant will form a dense mat of foliage up to 12-inches across. It is an easy-to-grow variety that will not produce flowers. Feed it with water, shade, and plenty of humidity, and you will have a gorgeous lawn in no time!

As you gear up for time spent in your real-life yard this summer, I do hope you will consider one of the above plant varieties for your fairy garden. The fairies will appreciate having a soft, green, expansive lawn in which to play and relax. And you will appreciate the low-maintenance beauty provided by these manageable ground cover plants.

Miniature Gardening' offers miniature houses, accessories, fairies, garden tools & dollhouse furniture to create enchanting miniature landscapes for containers or your yard. Story telling and imaginary fairy garden from 'Miniature Gardening' bring the playful kid out in all of us. Filled with intrigue and mystique each little miniature gardens scene you create is a snapshot of such a dream.