A trip to  TonkaDale Gardens is never complete without a visit to the Fairy Garden display.

 

Alas….I know my thrifty soul will never allow me to spend $200 on a Miniature anything! I would rather eat and buy shoes! 

So in true Sweetwater Style, I found a way to make one for almost NO money.

Here is my first attempt….about 4 years ago.  I used an old wooden box…lasted about 2 seasons.
The “tree” is a basil plant I pruned into shape. 
Then I hit upon the idea of using the cement birdbath that was always full of ishy smelly water and leaves…..no birds….obviously better for fairies.

I have included links to several webpages with step by step tutorials for DYI Fairy Gardens.
Here is how I made mine:

Cleaned out the muck from the bottom of the birdbath.

Lined the bottom with a couple of inches of rocks and sand for drainage-no holes

 I think one time I had to tip water out of the garden after a major rain, but generally it hasn’t been a problem

Filled the birdbath with potting soil. I made the center taller and packed the soil very well
Arranged the buildings
Put in the pathways and wall
Planted the plants
Put up the archway
Arranged the accessories

•  The little ceramic houses are from the Christmas section at Goodwill…..painted them with acrylic paint from the craft store. —$5 or so
• The arch is just twisted grapevine-easy to do if you soak it first.—FREE
• The plants are sedum,  creeping thyme, moss transplanted from other spots in the garden—FREE
• The little hosta pop up next to the mature plants…don’t know why this happens, but they are perfect—FREE
• The “garden wall” and stepping path are just rocks from the landscaping around the house.–FREE
• The “gazing balls” are big marbles—reused  FREE
• The little pots are from the dollar bin at Target—reused FREE

So for around five dollars and a little creative reuse…I have my Fairy Garden—-Priceless!

Don’t you love the idea of using an old roaster?

From Ohdeedoh

This is a great version of my original fruit crate….love the little toy trucks!

From Cozy Little House

Makes me wish I had an old wagon sitting around…do you?

Delightful Order
The Shabby Nest
The Creative Corner
My Simple Home Life
Lolly Jane
Craft Envy
Somewhat Simple
Funky Junk Interiors

A trip to  TonkaDale Gardens is never complete without a visit to the Fairy Garden display.

 

Alas….I know my thrifty soul will never allow me to spend $200 on a Miniature anything! I would rather eat and buy shoes! 

So in true Sweetwater Style, I found a way to make one for almost NO money.

Here is my first attempt….about 4 years ago.  I used an old wooden box…lasted about 2 seasons.
The “tree” is a basil plant I pruned into shape. 
Then I hit upon the idea of using the cement birdbath that was always full of ishy smelly water and leaves…..no birds….obviously better for fairies.

I have included links to several webpages with step by step tutorials for DYI Fairy Gardens.
Here is how I made mine:

Cleaned out the muck from the bottom of the birdbath.

Lined the bottom with a couple of inches of rocks and sand for drainage-no holes

 I think one time I had to tip water out of the garden after a major rain, but generally it hasn’t been a problem

Filled the birdbath with potting soil. I made the center taller and packed the soil very well
Arranged the buildings
Put in the pathways and wall
Planted the plants
Put up the archway
Arranged the accessories

•  The little ceramic houses are from the Christmas section at Goodwill…..painted them with acrylic paint from the craft store. —$5 or so
• The arch is just twisted grapevine-easy to do if you soak it first.—FREE
• The plants are sedum,  creeping thyme, moss transplanted from other spots in the garden—FREE
• The little hosta pop up next to the mature plants…don’t know why this happens, but they are perfect—FREE
• The “garden wall” and stepping path are just rocks from the landscaping around the house.–FREE
• The “gazing balls” are big marbles—reused  FREE
• The little pots are from the dollar bin at Target—reused FREE

So for around five dollars and a little creative reuse…I have my Fairy Garden—-Priceless!