Start your terrarium with a good cleaning so you won't have to disturb the plants when you're finished.

1st Best Container shown by Jude Neumann

You will, of course, have to do some touch up cleaning after completion. I like to line the bottom with sheet moss, green side down to face out, so soil and perlite won't be to distracting. This also protects the glass from scratching. A sprinkle of horticultural charcoal is a good idea unless there is some in the potting soil. Next add a light porous soil. Remember, you're making a landscape in miniature so have some high and low areas. I have used rocks and wood to hold these levels in place. (Click on image for larger view)

Now for the plants. I like to think of the plants at different height levels like you see in nature. There are the tall trees, the medium shrubs or understory, and the low flowers and ground covers. Some contrast in texture and color is needed. Variegated foliage adds interest, but use it sparingly unless the theme calls for more. In our violet shows, there must be one or more blooming violets in the design. The violet does not have to predominate, but it should be in good cultural condition. I always try to use at least three non-violet plants in the design to accompany it. Now, keep in mind the proportions of this landscape, minis and semi-minis seem to work best. Young trailers can often be fitted in to conform to the line of the design. The violets are added shortly before the show so that they are in peak condition.

One of the first things the judges look for is the line of the design. It can be an L or inverted V or a curve, but it must be there. It may be hard to imagine getting all this in a small space but remember, you're working with small proportioned plants and accessories. Also, a path or steps or stone outcroppings can form part of the line. Don't over do the planting. Leave some empty space for balance.

Finish off the design with a natural ground cover. Never leave bare soil showing. You can use such things as long fibered sphagnum moss, sheet moss, or small bark chips. Small bark chips, of the right proportion can be found in pet shops where it's sold for use in reptile tanks. It's clean and non-toxic. Pet Shops are a good place to find interesting rocks, gravel, and drift wood.

All terrariums must have a top. If you have one cut to fit your container, make sure it's a little larger than the opening. Mirror mounts can then be glued to the edge. Their L shape (picture the L upside down) will hold the top up allowing some air circulation and still keep the top centered. You needn't go to a lot of expense on the cover, but some type of cover is required.

2nd Best Container shown by Jude Neumann

You'll find these same principles apply to making container gardens. I am always on the lookout for something that will work, I found this piece in our firewood pile. A small piece of wood attached to the back was all I needed to prop it up and get the balance and angle I was looking for. (Click on image for larger view). Check back, we'll soon be adding more articles on doing other types of container gardens. The log design you see here is called a natural container.

Have fun, try a new idea, but most of all, make a design that pleases you.

 line  The line is what moves your vision through the design. Usually a high point graduating down. It should be a smooth sweep, not a lot of ups and downs. Viewing the line is easier to see on the picture of the natural container using the log. Notice the tall plants are at one end and graduate down to the club moss that spreads over the low end.

Article by Jude Neumann. Interested in reprinting this for your club? Please contact either Jude or Cheralyn for permission.

Supply ideas from Cheralyn Maturi

I used to do a lot of collecting when I had aquariums. I was always looking for driftwood and rocks and such. I believe these same principles apply to looking for supplies for terrariums so will put some ideas here. The most important thing to remember is:

• Let your imagination run wild while your out walking.
• Study the "lay of the land" to get ideas for your terrarium.
• This is a great time to spend "quality time" with your kids and grandkids, take advantage of it to introduce them to the joys of nature.
• Let nature be your guide and above all, enjoy yourself.

 Collecting Supplies  Collecting supplies and items to use in your terrarium or container gardens can be lots of fun if you like being outdoors. Watch as you're walking along lake shores for nice rocks, pebbles and driftwood. If you have access to hilly areas to walk through, watch for areas of moss on the ground in low areas. Most mosses can be gently lifted in fairly good size mats and will peel away with very little soil on it. Look around trees that have been knocked down, or hit by lightning for unusual pieces of deadwood and bark. Remember you're looking for things that will work in a miniature setting. Take along a "backpack" with some plastic bags to carry your finds in rather than a bucket. A backpack leaves both of your hands free and balances the weight over your back which can help reduce/prevent any strain.

 Cleaning the Collection  It's inevitable that while you're out in nature collecting things, you're going to come home with extra critters. It's best to do the cleaning outside before bringing your "collection" in the house. Soak any wood you find in a mild bleach solution (10 parts water, 1 part bleach). Use hot water and let it soak, the longer it soaks, the lighter it will become. Put on your rubber gloves and give it a good scrubbing with a stiff scrub brush. This will clean off any loose pieces, dirt and scrub those critters away. Pieces you collect that are somewhat fragile (such as bark) should not be soaked too long or scrubbed hard. For any moss you collect, soak it in tepid water and change the water often. This should remove any unwanted critters and dirt. You may have to pick through it by hand, gently to remove sticks or leaves that may be stuck in.