Growing An Appreciation Of Shrubs In The Fairy Garden

By Author: Florence Blum
Total Articles: 79
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Which miniature plants are the stars of your fairy garden? In my gardens and terrariums, I can pick out the showiest flowers, the most delicate Bonsai trees, and the rarest ornamental plants I have collected over the years. But when it comes to planning and building a fairy garden that will flourish, I’ve found that one oft-overlooked category can beone of the most important: miniature shrubs.

Picture, for a moment, your “life-size” yard. It likely has a few trees and perhaps some flowers. But when it comes to landscaping, a yard or garden is nothing without the bushes, shrubs, and other “forgettable” plants that fill it with life. The shapes, colors, and textures offered by shrubs are invaluable for a garden of any size. They act as borders, creating spaces for furniture, veggie patches, and patios. They add privacy and distance. They can even add flair to a gate, arbor, or another entrance area. Perhaps most importantly, shrubs are the perfect hiding spot during games of hide-and-seek! Children, fairies, and gnomes all agree.

When planted in a container garden, a shrub can even act as a stand-in for ...
... a miniature tree. Planted in front of a small fairy cottage, a carefully-chosen shrub can grow in appropriate proportion, causing it to appear as a tree to the wee folk who live in the cottage. Additionally, miniature trees and Bonsai plants often need a little pruning and close care in order to grow properly, but a small shrub is an easy-to-care-for plant. Fairies love to relax under the miniature trees and shrubs in the garden. They provide shade on hot days and also make excellent clubhouses.

See how important a simple shrub can be? These easy-to-grow miniature plants are a key part of any miniature garden. Once you have decided to add some shrubs to your fairy garden, all that is left to do is to pick out the perfect variety for you and your garden.

For a woodland miniature garden, look to the Pinus Mugo, an evergreen pine variety. This distinctive dwarf plant is slow-growing and requires almost no pruning or shearing. With its slow growth habit and reliable dark green color, this miniature shrub will be an attractive feature in your miniature garden for years to come. Plant a couple around the front of a fairy cottage or at the entrance to the fairy forest. During the holidays, you can add some twinkling lights for a festive touch.

Not all shrubs sport the usual green hue. Choose a Variegated Boxwood to add some bright colors to the miniature garden. This miniature plant features dark green leaves with creamy yellow margins. When planted in the perfect spot—with a mix of dappled sun and shade—the Variegated Boxwood will thrive.

Now is the time to dive into the world of miniature shrubs. These low-maintenance plants add beauty, variety, color, and texture to the fairy garden. Next time you are searching for the gnomes and other wee folk in your garden, check under the shrubs! These hiding spots are sure to become fast-favorites for fairy garden residents. They will be your favorite miniature plants in no time, too.

Miniature Gardening' offers >fairy house, 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 gardening scene you create is a snapshot of such a dream.