Top Ten Unique Container Ideas for a Fairy Garden

Fairy gardens come in all shapes and sizes. From large-scale gardens in the yard to those that put the “miniature” in miniature garden through innovative container use, fairy gardens are a wonderful way to share your personality, passions, and artistry with all those who visit your space. If you are looking to spice up this year’s garden designs with the addition of some new containers, look no further than our list of the top ten unique container ideas.

•    Mason Jars

Not only are mason jars trendy, affordable, and durable, but they are made of transparent glass, which allows your terrarium plants to get all the sunshine they need. An added perk is the ability to observe the progress of your miniature plants’ roots through the glass. On top, you might add a few fairy garden accessories and your favorite hardscape materials. When designing your jar terrarium, the Millikin Scale will be a helpful tool for choosing fairies, furniture, picks, or other accessories.

 

•    Martini Glasses

Are you looking for a fun project for your next birthday party, wedding shower, or another social occasion? Miniature gardens inside martini glasses are a cute way to add a fashionable fairy garden to your home. Fill with sand and beach-themed miniature garden accessories in the summertime, or choose your favorite succulent or air plant and decorate with loose pebbles. Consider using art sand, which comes in a variety of exciting colors that will add interest to your design.

 

•    Tea Cups

Who does not love a little teatime in the miniature garden? The fairies certainly do, and they will be so pleased to see tea cup gardens added to your indoor or outdoor space. Place a pair of tea cup gardens on an outdoor bistro table—visitors will get a surprise when they see what is inside each cup!

•    Wheelbarrows

For a larger miniature garden, look beyond raised beds towards designing unique containers that you might already have around the yard or garage. A wheelbarrow parked and filled with miniature plants, fairy garden accessories, and even miniature houses can be a fabulous centerpiece in the yard, or a quaint secret hideaway when tucked under some trees. To provide an attractive groundcover to the wheelbarrow fairy garden, cover the soil and surround the greenery with hardscape, such as pebbles, river rock, or fairy mulch. In addition, hardscape adds texture and color.

•    Whiskey Barrels

When it comes to an outdoor space, there is perhaps no better container for showing off your miniature garden, especially if you choose a wide barrel with plenty of room to display your miniature plants and more. Whether you decide to “plant’ your barrel garden on the front porch or even on a small balcony, any location where people gather will guarantee that your miniature garden is well-displayed.  For some nighttime sparkle, add a string of mini lights around the fairy houses.

 

•    Wagons

Do you have an unused little red wagon tucked away in the garage, attic, or playroom? If so, you might consider tugging it outside, where it can be parked and filled with miniature plants, miniature trees, and fairy garden accessories. For a vintage feel, choose a wagon that is a bit rusty or distressed, and brighten it up with colorful flowers.

•    Cement Spiral Containers

For something both artistic and durable, look towards a unique cement container in a spiral, stepped, or other styles. Containers like these give a gardener the opportunity to display diverse miniature plants and fairy garden accessories at varying levels and sizes. Consider planning a winter mountain theme or a lazy day on the river design.

•    Birdbaths and Birdcages

Take a leap into an avian dreamscape when you choose vintage, classic elements like birdbaths and birdcages. A stone birdbath that might already be located in your yard can be repurposed and filled with miniature plants. Imagine miniature houses tucked underneath bright blooms and greenery that flows over the side of the bath. A birdcage can be placed on the ground or even hung up, creating instant visual interest in any space.  Add a few fairies, gnomes, or pixies for a personal touch to your fairy garden.

•    Colanders

A fresh approach to miniature gardening can be found in a colorful, lightweight colander. Purchase a bright one or “upcycle” a vintage version by applying outdoor spray paint. You can easily bypass the holes in the object by preparing it with a coffee filter or landscape fabric cut to size. Another idea is to fill the colander with rocks and add attractive gray, burgundy, and green-colored faux plants to brighten up a shady corner in your house.

•    Old Drawers

Next time you are browsing antique stores or sales, be sure to keep your eyes open for vintage drawers, especially those that are shallow, such as card catalog drawers or utensil drawers. Luggage works well too. Fill with miniature plants and fairy garden accessories.  Remember to include a couple of miniature trees! Then stack the drawers asymmetrically for a casual, yet magical style.