Fairy gardens have become increasingly popular. So, exactly what is this fairy garden craze all about?  It’s said that if you plant a fairy garden, something magical happens.  Years drop away, stress leaves you and you’re transported into the world of make believe.  Nothing brings out the inner child in us more than when we plant a fairy garden. 

Throughout history, tales have existed of flower fairies. Flower fairies are nature spirits who care for flowers, plants, and trees.  They have their own distinctive personality derived from her plant which determines their aesthetic, mood, and character.  It’s also said that whenever a seed sprouts, a flower fairy baby is born.  They live and sleep on their chosen flower, plant, or tree and as they grow the fairy grows too. (www.pickupflowers.com)

Fairies are attracted to spaces filled with life.  They can occur under, in, and around trees such as oak, elders, yew, holly, yellow elm, and many more life sustaining trees.  Flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds also attract fairies such as pansies, bee balm, petunias, foxglove, sunflower, columbine, tulips, snapdragons, cosmos, and violets.  Even foliage creates shadows and hiding spaces for shy fairies. 

Emphasize the natural as they’re very nature oriented and will be attracted to your efforts and set-up homesteads near you in nature. (GardeningKnowHow.com, Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist, 3/25/21)

There are unlimited fairy garden ideas available, both inside and outside … only limited by your imagination. Release your inner child and step into the fairy world by creating your own enchanted garden.  Create a small magical spot in your garden, a special place to focus on the small details of nature, and to explore the range of your imagination.  The idea is to plant certain flowers that fairies would like or build them a little house to calm a malicious fairy or receive good luck from a grateful one. 

There are numerous containers you can use to create a fairy garden, and you will see them listed throughout this article.  Other elements you can use for your fairy gardens include birdhouses, toad stool houses, water fountains, small streams, bowls of water, statuary that honors elves, fairies, and gnomes.  I remember being at the Arboretum during my intern training and they had a gorgeous set-up for a massive fairy garden. 

I made one for inside our home which took virtually a few hours to make.  So, give it a shot … you’ll find the fun and magical mystery of creating your very own fairy garden.

Photo credits: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (1, 2), Julie Harris (3), Carolyn Plank (4)