Mossy Eye Candy

I find myself drifting to warm sunny days with my hands in the dirt, tasting the sweet aromas of dill, bee balm and old English rose on my lips, humming to the tune of high perched wrens and the hum of swooping hummingbirds. Then my mind snaps to reality and I place another log on the wood-stove, wrap my hands around a steamy cup of coffee soaking in its warmth while my eyes adjust to the bright vast stretch of land blanketed in white and....I am over it!  Seeing months of black and white can lead to a brain full of static! So let's be rebels eh and add some color to this picture!! Time to bring the garden indoors my friends. I am going to show you how to make some lovely terrariums with the use of bright green succulents and lovely blooming air plants, both of which are very low maintenance & cost! The process is super duper simple and the outcome looks extremely mod! Little glass worlds of eye candy.

Where will you start?! How about in your pantry, cupboards, china closet....your home has a plethora of containers just waiting for you to showcase their style, time to dust them off and give them time to shine! Have you any vases, tea cups, cheese platters with glass tops, round cake tins? Or have you any pieces that you store in your china cabinet as heirloom pieces that are simply for display? All of these pieces make perfect containers for donning your new indoor gardens!

Now that you have decided what you will use, you might ask....where can I purchase air plants or succulents in the middle of winter?? Check out your local florists! This has become a huge trend, one that my father stated was a mega hit back in his day. Isn't it funny what we think is NEW and FABULOUS is really history repeating itself?! If your local florist doesn't carry them, do some research on Amazon or Etsy. This past week I had a blast visiting a florist in my neighborhood whose name instantly caught my attention, Flowerkraut, and it was love first step into their gem of a shop! They boasted a vast collection of air plants throughout their shop hanging in tiny clay pots from the ceiling to peeking at you from shelves among eclectic finds of stationary, bath salts, stained glass feathers.....my eyes and brain were drooling! Having to narrow down my purchases was no easy task.

(Do you SEE those poppies?! They are breathtaking!)

(my heart was swooning over all the eclectic pieces this little shop bestowed. It was exactly what I needed on a frigid winters day to revitalize my heart and soul)

Once you have your plants, you now need to purchase your other supplies: activated charcoal (for the succulent terrariums), soil and moss. I also used two wooden skewers to help place the moss and plants where I wanted them (which helps if your container is narrow at the top). I purchased my charcoal from Pet Smart. Its the same charcoal used in fish tank filters, thus working the same way as to keep the water pure within your terrarium and helps to keep mold out. The soil I simply purchased at Lowe's, it's Miracle-Gro potting mix. And the stones I harvested from outdoors, but feel free to use any decorative river stones, gems or baubles. Now, I must admit, I did cheat as far as the moss goes. I purchased a package of preserved sheet moss from Jo-Ann fabrics, don't judge! Once spring rolls around, I will harvest my own (and share the process of course). But for now, a cheater I am! 

(I used these three pieces. The tiny flowered pitcher is a family heirloom from my son's great grandmother. The cheese platter has collected dust for years, what a perfect way to showcase it! And the tall glass vessel I purchased at TJ Maxx on the clearance rack! Be sure to also check out places like Goodwill or any local thrift store!)

Once you have all of your goodies lined up, we can begin the fun part, creating your own little conversation pieces. Tap into you imagination, allow your mind to run rampant and create something magical or simple. This is your little world, so be sure to make it what you want.

First we will begin the simple steps to creating terrariums. The first step is to fill your base with your stones. Then top them with 1/2 inch of charcoal, followed by soil. Depending on the depth of the container you are using, you will have to use your judgement as to how much soil you will be using.

Next, take the plants gently out of their containers and tickle the roots to "activate" them, as well as to loosen their soil. If you have a narrow container that you will be placing them in, use your skewers or whatever tool of choice to maneuver them within their new home. 

Once your plants are in and planted, you can start decorating its new habitat with moss. I personally cannot get enough of the stuff, its like a plush blanket of vivid green....I really go crazy when it comes to moss. And their are so many varieties that you can play with! HAVE FUN with this project. 

You can incorporate fairies, stones, ANYTHING. I used a dinosaur from my son's vast toy collection and he thinks its the coolest ;) 

If your container is closed, be sure to water lightly, as it becomes its own biosphere and the moisture will retain. If you over water, simply take the top off and allow it to breathe for a bit (a day or two, use your own judgement!). No need to keep your terrarium in the sunlight, they prefer shaded areas, thus making the perfect indoor decor pieces! 

Last, but never ever least, is our air plants. These little beauts hold up to their name, simply because all they need to thrive is air alone, no soil needed. Pretty magical if you ask me! I do suggest giving them a bath in a basin of water or your sink in tepid water twice a week. This dry winter air has a tendency to dry these babies out, much like it does our skin! But that is it, that is all they require. And of course a good dose of  love :)

Simply place these little guys wherever you see fit! I personally love mine within tea cups or tiny pitchers. 

Hope you are convinced that you too need a tiny world of green! 

Carla, XO