Beginner: Research what it takes to make a terrarium. What plants will do best? How big do you want the terrarium to be? Where will you put it?
This seemed like a job for the 635.98 section of the library...
We were intrigued to read in Mary Jane's Farm magazine that asparagus fern can do well in terrariums. It is a weed in our yard, so maybe cultivating it is worth a shot in the "if you can't beat them, sell them," vein. MJF neglected to mention that these ferns have some pretty sharp thorns!
Also added to my wishlist are the Wardian cases at H Potter which go so well with our victorian house and decor. These might be the solution for pitcher and other carnivorous plants I've struggled to keep alive in pots, possibly because we lack humidity. I love that many of them have hinged glass so the fruit flies, etc. you were hoping your carnivorous plant would control can actually take a crack at the bugs.
I've also subscribed to a local gardener's mailing list after finding fairy garden inspiration in one of her published books.
Intermediate: Get gardening! Create your own glass garden. Share your creation on our Farmgirl Connection chatroom under Merit Badge Chit Chat.
It is so easy to over-buy material for projects like this. We scheduled a mom-daughter date at Dragonfly boutique (8/6/2026) to choose from their selection of supplies. These terrariums feature 2" cacti which have low water requirements. There are so many interesting rocks, gems, charms and fairy garden decor, we will definitely be back!
Expert: Create a terrarium and gift it.
We gifted our Dragonfly terrariums to Daddy and Grandma!
I chose blue gems and sand with shells so Granny's terrarium would be equally at home at her beach house and alongside the blue glass bottle collection in her kitchen. I love how the succulent flower spike is so hopefully stretching over the upper rim of the terrarium. My young cultivator chose vibrant yellow sand and green rocks because these are some of dad's favorite colors.
