Miniature gardens are adapted from Japanese bonsai gardens, taking the idea of shaping and caring for a miniature tree for relaxation and creating a new way of gardening. Because they are miniature, the idea is to welcome fairies and small creatures to enjoy them, just as you enjoy your garden.

Your new mini garden will do better in an area protected from the elements. When thinking about where to create or place your Mini Formal Garden, think about the environmental factors like wind and rain that can ruin the garden. When Laura is done, she will place it on her covered porch where it will be protected!

Before we begin, there are a few things to note:

  • There is no drainage in this miniature garden, so water lightly and only when the plants need it. Laura suggests using a syringe to get the right amount of water exactly where it’s needed.
  • This is a seasonal project, so before winter comes find a new home for the plants, either in a greenhouse or indoors, in order to preserve them.
  • There is a longer version of this video if you are interested.

Materials Used:

Plants Laura Used:

  • Common Juniper
  • English Yew
  • Helleborus ‘Vavavoom Pink’
  • Daylily
  • Asparagus Fern
  • Pansy ‘Nature Mulberry Shades’
  • Helleborus Winter Jewels ‘Red Sapphire’
  • Viola ‘Penny Red with Blotch’
  • Creeping Charlie
  • Gourmet Salad Mix
  • Irish Moss
  • Sedum ‘Firecracker’

How to Create a Mini Formal Garden:

  1. Line a container, box or old suitcase with heavy plastic in order to preserve it and keep the soil in one place.
  2. Fill with Espoma’s Organic Potting Mix and trim the excess plastic from the container to make it look clean and precise.
  3. Add plants. Remember to work from back to front adding height and texture to the miniature landscape. Use plants that will stay small, so they don’t outgrow your garden.
  4. Create a pathway. Cut photo paper to make a guide where you want the road to go. Mix water with shapecrete and pour between the photo paper. Let dry 30 minutes before removing the paper. It’ll continue to cure for 24 hours.
  5. Now is the time to set the formal scene and add in your elements. The little succulent hedge and gates are out favorite!
  6. Enjoy your new Mini Formal garden!

Comments

Logging in to comment gives you more features, but it is not required.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More on Gardening Calendar

Canada Milk Vetch

Attract hummingbirds, birds, butterflies and bees with Canada Milk Vetch – a beautiful flower perfect for bouquets, heavy clay soils and winter flowerpots. Perfect for restoration gardens, erosion control and dry climates.

Virginia Waterleaf Helps Stop Soil Erosion

Virginia waterleaf is an excellent choice for shady areas and woodland gardens that can spread quickly, cover bare spots and help stop soil erosion. It comes in white and violet colours and has edible leaves that can be used in cooking. Discover more about it and its companion plants. Enhance your woodlands with Virginia Waterleaf. Discover the perfect choice for shady areas and woodland gardens – Virginia Waterleaf! Native to various regions in North America, it blooms in white and violet, and can spread quickly from rhizomes to provide groundcover, reduce erosion and provide edible leaves.

Coffee Grounds for Plants

Coffee grounds are good for some plants and not for others. We explain why and identify specific vegetables, plants and flowers.