Terrarium

Building a terrarium can be a combination craft and science project for the children in your charge. It enables them to design a miniature landscape, while watching something they have planted, grow.

First you will need the glass structure to host your project. Often you can find the right container by simply looking around the house for a forgotten fishbowl, or empty glass jug. Perhaps you will do a little shopping at the local thrift store or find the perfect item at a garage sale. But if you plan to do this project with a group of kids, and can't afford purchasing used glass bowls, stop in at your favorite restaurant. Very often pickles or maraschino cherries come in gallon glass jugs, that make ideal miniature terrariums. And it is possible you can get the restaurant to save you a few.

Next you will need some plants. Fortunately the smaller the starter plants, the less expensive they are. Go to your local nursery and tell them what you will be doing, and ask them to suggest three or four small plants for your project.

Purchase some potting soil and rocks for layering under the soil. Once again, ask your nursery what brand soil they suggest for a terrarium. Look around for colored rocks, which will add a great deal of flair to your final project.

Once at home, spread newspaper over your working surface. Layer the bottom of your terrarium with the rocks, about two inches deep.

In a bucket, mix the soil with water. Do not get sopping wet, or muddy. But, get thoroughly wet, and squeeze out the excess water, so that the soil is moist.

This will be very messy! And be prepared for the muddy hands! But that is half the fun.

Carefully add the moist soil atop the rocks, about 4 inches deep. Pat down, but do not compact! Now figure out where to place your miniature greenery, using your fingers to dig small holes for planting. The size of your container will determine the number of plants. Do not overcrowd!

Small ornamental rock and ceramic miniatures will add the designer touch to the finished project. Use a mister to moisten plants occasionally. Allow to dry out periodically, or your landscape might mold.