Time needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Learn How to make a fairy garden? You may have heard of fairy gardening but are unsure of what it entails. Basically we are talking about gardening in miniature, and creating a landscape that will be suitable for the ‘little people’. Think miniature plants with the addition of tiny furniture, accessories and housing. Here we explain how to make your own fairy garden in 5 easy steps.

1. Choose a suitable container

   This can be anything from a terracotta pot, window box or even an old wheelbarrow. Really the sky’s the limit in
   terms of what you can use, as long as you can create drainage holes at the bottom of the container and the sides are high enough to keep your soil in. You can also use baskets, crates and even old drawers, as long as you line these with plastic, (make holes for drainage), just bear in mind that these may not be as long lasting as other containers.

2. Pick your plants

   Head off to your local garden centre, they’ll be delighted to see you and be able to advise you on plants that they have in stock. On the whole we like to use Alpines, they are small in stature just like their fairy friends, i.e. Sedum, Phlox, Heathers, Dianthus and Campanula. You can also pick seasonal bedding plants and change them once the season ends. Herbs also work well in a fairy garden Thyme, Rosemary and Chives are a lovely addition.
   

3. Choose your accessories and housing

   There are lots of ready made miniature accessories for your fairy garden, these range from furniture to housing, and teeny figurines. They tend to be made of resin which means they are hard wearing, frost proof and suitable for outdoor use.
   You may like to choose a theme, i.e. woodland, beach, Halloween, Christmas etc. if you do this you can look for suitable accessories to fit in with your theme.
   

4. Get planting

   Fill your container with potting compost, (available from the garden centre) then add your plants, leaving gaps in between for your accessories. Place taller plants and the back and smaller ones at the front. If you are the patient type you can even plant seeds in your fairy garden, think grass or cress seeds. Once planted give your plants a sprinkling of water.
   

5. Add accessories to your garden

   Place your miniature Fairy housing in the garden, then add landscape items such as ponds, fencing and sheds. Top tip,
   use colourful aquarium gravel to create pathways between your house and others areas. Dot furniture and figurines around your garden to complete the look. Some accessories include a stake so keep the items firmly in the ground.