If you’re tensed up and want to relieve some of that pent up stress, then the best thing to do is take a walk in your garden. However, if time is what you lack, and of course, it’s not possible for everyone to have a garden attached to their house as well, then a Terrarium is what you need.
Tovah Martin, a famous gardener, gave an enchanting visual presentation at the HSNY Library recently. Her topic of discussion was centered on how one can raise plants inside enclosed areas, quite often known as a Terrarium. Terrariums can also be termed as mini-biospheres and are perfect for those who do not have time to smell the roses and need a green reserve at their place.
The designer
The idea is the creative baby of TovahMartin, a famous American gardener. Having earned an accreditation from NOFA as an Organic Land Care Professional, she has proved her mettle as a perennial gardener over the years. She has used her expertise in the field of tropicals and implied it in growing plants in enclosed spaces. Recently, she has even launched her own book about Terrariums known as the New Terrarium.
Just a few more tips about the designer. The Garden Club of America awarded Martin the “outstanding literary achievement” medal. Also not to forget, People, Places, Plants Magazine named her among one of the “50 most influential People” in 2005.
Green Treasure
Terrariums, as mentioned above are primarily mini biospheres. Owing to this fact, the plants inside become the best self-sufficient beings around. How it works is very simple. Once you water the plants, a lot of moisture is retained inside the enclosed space. The plants retain the water for themselves, in a way self-fuelling themselves with plenty of water. In addition, as they do not require much of light, they can survive on low light itself.
Gone are the days when you have to worry your head over elaborate designs for building a garden. You can still fulfill your dreams of having a beautiful garden, but on your own terms, all thanks to Terrarium. The plants can survive for months, sometimes even for years without your direct intervention, making Terrarium the most desired form of gardening. Usually the plants that require more of humidity and less of light should be placed inside the Terrarium. The enclosed space would do wonders for these dwarf plants and can even help you live your gardening dreams.
Some of the plants, which can be placed inside a Terrarium, are:
Miniature orchids, Ferns, Mosses (especially Selaginella moss), Fittonia — nerve plant,African violets, Tillandsias — air plants, Peperomias, Pileas, Dwarf ivies, Miniature rhizomatous begonias, Creeping fig — Ficus pumila, Strawberry begonia — Saxifraga stolonifera
The Fab Factor
Use of glass has been an indispensable part of our lives from time immemorial and of course, majorly, it has been responsible for bringing botany closer to us. The days for fretting over losing your plants because of lack of water, less of sunlight etc. are all gone. Terrarium, having been built the way they are, will prove to be a boon for everyone around. Now, you don’t have to be an avid gardener with loads of time to spare. All you need to do is water them once and see the plants grow like never before. Bring your family closer with the Terrarium and they can even be gifted to other people. Spread the word and spread greenness around you. This is the way things should always be. Go green; go the eco-friendly way.