Fairy Gardens: How to Make a Wee World Full of DIY Magic

A sprinkle of whimsy, a dash of pixie dust, a whole lot of imagination and voila: you’ve got a fairy garden for playing in all summer long.

For those who are unfamiliar, fairy gardens are little places where small plants live side-by-side with miniature houses, tiny tea sets, and a whole host of adorable accessories (whether homemade or purchased). Helping your child construct a fairy garden is also a great way to teach plant care skills while unleashing creativity, make-believe, and a sense of wonder.

Here’s how to get started:

Find some inspiration:

Books like Fairy Gardening by Julie Bawden-Davis and Gardening in Miniature by Janit Calvo are good ways to dream big for your tiny garden.

Start with a Container (if You’d Like):

While it is very well-known that fairies adore homes tucked into the base of old trees or nestled into a secret opening in a hedge, you can also give your garden fairies a more portable plot.From outgrown baby bathtubs to wooden crates to wagons or dresser drawers, fairies aren’t too particular. The more whimsical the better. For a fun scavenger hunt, head to a local thrift shop and find a few items that could be used to house your fairy garden—keep an open mind and you’ll find the perfect thing!

Imagine and Build Your Fairies a Home:

Ask your child what kind of fairies will live in her garden. What kind of house might they like? An igloo? A log cabin? A tent or teepee? A storybook cottage covered in moss? You can start by having your child draw her ideal fairy house, and then brainstorm ways to build it out of materials you have at home. Hint: Fairies adore homes made from natural materials like sticks and leaves and moss. Bonus fairy points for lining their beds with colorful flower petals!

Keep Crafting Through the Seasons:

While plenty of kits and purchase-ready accessories can be found online, you can keep this fun activity affordable and home-grown with a bit of DIY spirit.Help your child dream up other items to add to the garden. Will the fairies need a path to walk on? Make a road of river rocks. Could a little bowl make a swimming pool? It’s well-known that fairies love baubles and sparkles: Which items from your kiddo’s toy collection or holiday ornament stash could be used to entice them to the garden? From Legos and dollhouse furniture to trees made out of clay and plates made from seashells, the options are endless. (Remember: a bit of glitter can add some serious fairy magic.)

Pick the Plants Your Fairies Will Love:

If your garden is low on plants, you’ll want to bring some into your fairy garden. (Fairies love a good leaf on which to perch.) Folks at your local nursery or garden supply will be able to help you narrow down your choices to small plants that will work well in miniature settings. You can even pick edible plants like herbs to make a fairy garden in a kitchen window! What fairy wouldn’t love a sprig of mint to munch on?

Keep Up with the Holidays:

To keep the fairy garden updated year round, imagine ways to bring different holidays down to fairy size. From jelly beans and miniature Easter eggs to paper fireworks and flags for the fourth of July, fairies can celebrate days of joy, too!