A Fairy Garden-Sweetwater Style

Garden fairies come at dawn,
Bless the flowers then they're gone.
~Author Unknown

The little fairy garden in an old birdbath makes me smile whenever I look at it.  

I imagine it may entice some fairies to come bless the flowers.  

Do you think they could cast a spell on the weeds too? Here's hoping!

Read on to learn how to make your own and find inspiration from some other fantastic Fairy Gardens out there.

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!

Here are some other great examples

From Sugar Creek Gardens

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?

From Michelle M Designs

So simple and elegant!

FairyGardening.com

This site has lots of information about Fairy Gardens.

You can even order kits from this site....NOT Sweetwater Style....but the ideas are great!

After seeing all these great options for Fairy Gardens, I might just have to make another one!

In the meantime, I will just enjoy the view of the one I have from the deck!

Link to:
The Tattered Tag

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