THINK SMALL

l Garden centres and hardware chains stock baby grade houseplants for $3-4 each. Choose a selection of plants with contrasting forms, colours and textures. Suitable species for terrariums include baby’s tears, ferns, fittonia (nerve plants), succulents and cacti. l Keep tabletop gardens and terrariums out of direct sunlight. Their tiny root systems can’t cope with sudden temperature fluctuations caused by overheating. l In a closed terrarium (a glass bowl with a lid, and consequently no drainage), be careful not to overwater your plants. Mist once a fortnight at most. l Vintage cake tins, kitchen colanders and deep plant pot saucers all make ideal containers for tabletop gardens, but ensure they have drainage holes in the base. Take them outdoors once a week for a good soak, letting the excess water drain out before you bring them back indoors. l Always use a goodquality indoor potting mix, or gritty cacti and succulent mix. Mulching the surface with gravel or decor sand prevents the potting mix splashing over your plants, and helps to prevent evaporation. l Spotlight has a range of fairy garden furniture, including quirky bird houses, bird baths and paving stones, and other craft miniatures.