We've already established that December is kind of a sucky time to slog around in the dirt (mud) in the yard in Southern Oregon. When it's not raining, it's damp and gray, and who wants numb fingertips and wet boots when there's hot chocolate and Christmas cookies to be had, trees to be decorated, and fires to be sat in front of? Nobody, that's who.
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But for many of us, the love of growing stuff doesn't go dormant when the plants outside do. So what can you do? Bring it inside, in a terrarium. What is a terrarium, you ask? Basically a miniature greenhouse. They're kind of trendy these days, gaining mention in the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens and the New York Times, to name a couple spots.
Here's a list of reasons why terrariums are awesome and you should most definitely get or make one:
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1. Terrariums make great holiday displays in the house (tiny Christmas tree? Little holly plant? Very festive).
2. Your kids can get involved and even create their own.
3. Terrariums scratch the gardening itch in inclimate weather.
4. A terrarium can provide a warm, moist environment that's good for starting plants.
5. Ordinary-looking collections of plants look so much more interesting inside a terrarium. (Really, try it. You'll be amazed.)
6. Wardian cases (a type of terrarium) are just so cool--they make amazing focal points. You'll love how one looks on your coffee table, entry way, etc.
Ready to populate your own terrarium yet? Stay tuned for next week's follow up with how-to instructions, plant recommendations and other tidbits. And in the meantime, you can start shopping for your terrarium (the container part) here, or be on the lookout for interesting glass containers when you're out Christmas shopping.
