Can You Leave You Fairy Garden Plants Outside In Winter

Fairy Gardening or miniature gardening has become something that is familiar to many people of all ages. I thought that I would share our process for creating fairy gardens, along with some other helpful tips and tricks we use here at Winterberry when designing our own miniature gardens.

Just to get started, for those who aren't familiar with the topic, let's answer the question:

What is a Fairy Garden?

A fairy garden is a miniature garden complete with structures and living plants. It goes along with the same design principles that you would consider when creating a regular garden, just on a much smaller scale. It can be an outdoor or indoor activity (kept outside during summer and brought inside during winter months).

Many people also ask: Why Fairy Garden?

As many people downsize, fairy gardening is a great way to garden in a way that takes up very little space. It's easy to do, it's fun and it's a great way to spend time with friends & family. It's also a good way to pass on the tradition & love of gardening to younger generation.

Now that we have the basics covered, here are the steps that we follow here at Winterberry when creating a fairy garden:

1. Choose a container.

It's really only limited by your imagination! It can be a traditional planter or something more unique like an old red wagon, suitcase, broken pot, etc.
Make sure there is good drainage whatever you choose. If you choose something more unique, you may have to create your own drainage by adding some stones at the bottom of the planter.

2. Fill your container about ¾ of the way with soil, choose a lighter mix, such as potting soil, nothing too heavy.

3. Select your plants. Here are Winterberry, we have selected and chose to grow a line of plants called Fairy Flowers, specifically intended to use in fairy gardens. They stay on the smaller side and require much less maintenance and care than other plants. Choose something that grows like a tree, 1 or 2 plants that will look like shrubs, and something to act as a groundcover. Consider light conditions & watering conditions.

4. Select your accessories. You can choose to create a themed garden or just accessories that you like. Be sure to balance the plants with the accessories. You don't want to choose too many accessories.

5. Layout your garden before planting anything. That way you can easily move things around. Don't forget to leave room for your pebble path.

6. Once you have decided on your design, you are ready to plant your plants. Remove the plant from the container and dig the hole as deep as the plant's soil. When the plant is in place, it should line up with the soil. Gently press directly on the base of the plant to secure in place. Repeat for all plants.

7. Water your plants in the soil. It's much easier to water your plants with a watering can that has a thin spout, so you can direct the water exactly where you need it go. Be careful not to overwater, as many plants like to remain moist but not wet.

8. Add in your accessories, furniture, and pebble path.

9. Think of your fairy garden as a work in progress. Add seasonal or holiday décor. Rearrange furniture or change out accessories for a different theme.

Caring for Your Fairy Garden:

During warmer times of the year, your fairy garden can be placed outside. Keep an eye on the weather, move under cover or in a protected area if rain or storms are forecasted. If frost or freezing temperatures are predicted, move inside (depending on the plants you select, they may be annuals). It's also okay to trim plants if need be. Just remember, don't trim back more than 1/3 of each plant at a time.

Here at Winterberry, we have a large selection of fairy gardening items and everything you need to create your own fairy garden. Come visit Fairy Hollow here at Winterberry to see what's new.

We hope to see you soon!