The Alternative Consumer's mention of the Ecosphere (pictured), got us reminiscing about the terrarium craze of the 1970s, when it seemed that everyone had a stained glass suncatcher, a batic bedspread and a thick glass jug full of self-sustaining plant life. The Ecosphere carries the concept one step further, being a fully enclosed environment in which algae and brine shrimp will live on their own for 2-5 years. A small Ecosphere about the size of a paperweight costs about $50, and larger free-standing models can run to $500 from Abundant Earth.
Better yet, how about indulging in a work of fine art like artist Paula Hayes' gorgeous, amorphous crystal terrariums, available via the New York gallery Salon 94.
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I heart terrariums!
I made these 2 little guys over 4 years ago from ground plants I found in the woods where I grew up. They've travelled with me from NYC to SF and keep on growing which is more than I can say for most of my house plants.
How did you do that?
Those look very intriging, and it looks like something my cat can't eat! How do you make them?
~Summer Berry~
Cardinal Building Systems, Inc.
Building Efficiently for Energy Savings
It's pretty simple.
It's pretty simple. Basically, get a jar that you can seal and go foraging through the forest. First, line the bottom with topsoil. Then lay some ground plants (moss and the like) on top of the topsoil. Seal it up and enjoy. You most likely won't need to water the terrarium if you have a good seal, but I have misted these with water a few times over the 4 years I've had them because neither has quite and airtight seal. You may find that certain plants are more resilient than others for living in a sealed container. If certain ones die you can simply leave them there and eventually they'll become mulch for the other plants that grow in their place. My grandmother still has terrariums that she made while we walked together when I was a young boy!
Thanks for the Tip
Thanks. That sounds like a great activity to do with my little one. Oh by the way I love the pianos in the back. I had one of those mini grands when I was young :)
Cardinal Building Systems, Inc.
Building Efficiently for Energy Savings