Yesterday I couldn’t help but notice all the miniature gardens when my buddy El Presidente were at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. Talk about total eye candy for a gardener on a cold winters day.
The attention to detail was amazing. Tiny pots, tiny statues, tiny rocks. 
Check out this 12th man miniature garden. It’s like a picture from an I Spy book.
The plants used in the miniature gardens varied from succulents, to bonsai trees, to all different kinds of moss.
This Australian astroturf was VERY popular.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest you can pretty much find something similar in your backyard or while out on a nature walk. Otherwise the Home Depot and local nurseries sell it the stuff for around $3 – $4 for a 3×3 pot.
I love how the creator of this miniature garden used a tea light for their fire pit and the exposed tree roots are pretty awesome too. 
Bambi!
I am in love.
After seeing all the miniature gardens on display, I think I totally need to make one. In fact later today I’m going to collect some moss from the backyard and make one. Stay tuned!
~Mavis
P.S. Have you ever made a miniature garden before? Do you have any tips or pointers?
Gardening in Miniature by Janit Calvo
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Lisa says
Good Morning Mavis-
Just wondering if you know what the price range for purchasing one of these mini gardens would be. Seems like a great opportunity for a new past time.
Mavis Butterfield says
I think it totally depends on how big an elaborate the garden is. I saw one the other day all done up at a local nursery and they were asking $44.95.
Pam says
I found a bunch of the little miniature items at Michael’s Craft Store – even a tiny baseball, bat and glove! I’m sure you could find similar items at any craft store. Love the miniature gardens. It’s a great way to enjoy your “back yard” in the house! 🙂
Heather says
My daughter, sister and I made mini garden for mother’s day last year for both grandmas and a great grandma – they went over HUGE! Using herbs work well vecause you can trim them pretty aggressively or remove and re-pot.
Ellen in Clackamas says
My Granddaughters and I made mini gardens last year for a craft project. They did fairys and I did a gnome garden. I found all the miniture figures and yard items at Craft Warehouse but I know Michaels has stuff too. My little gnome was sitting on a mushroom fishing. Had a little pole and a “pond”. I was going to use real gold fish but bowl wasn’t big enough so I used fish crackers instead. Turned out way cute
Kimberly says
Mavis,
How do you harvest and use moss form your backyard? I have a bunch of gorgeous moss in my yard but I didn’t know you could reuse it. Will it root and continue to grow? Do tell.
Mavis Butterfield says
Hi Kimberly, I just dig it up right beneath below the soil line. Here are some photos. –> http://www.stage.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/diy-how-to-create-a-spring-flower-basket-using-moss/
Kathy W says
For best results make sure your plants and props are in proportion to one another. Your garden won’t look right if everything isn’t in the same scale. Also, try to use plants that want the same growing conditions or risk spending time and money replacing dead plants.