Miniature Gardening Knows No Bounds

Miniature gardening knows no bounds. Gardeners young and old, male and female, green-thumbed and experienced, all have equal opportunity to get their hands in the dirt and construct unique, miniature worlds. In fact, when gardeners start early, they can gain valuable experiences that improve their skills not only in the garden but also in life, for years to come! Attention to detail, storytelling, and growing miniature plants are just a few of the skills that can be developed when students and children try their hand at building their small-scaled fairy gardens.

In 2011, Jarod Felber’s grandmother planted a miniature garden in a regular plant-pot. When Jarod saw it, he was amazed, and quickly followed in his grandmother’s footsteps. He planted countless tiny worlds in pots of his own. He was able to bond with his grandmother over their shared love of miniatures and began to develop the skills and passion needed to take his hobby to the next level.

As the years passed, Jarod’s home started to become crowded with container gardens. One day, his father looked to an aging bush in the front yard and asked Jarod if he would like to take his hobby outside. After removing the dying bush, Jarod and his dad worked together to build a miniature garden. Outlined in tidy gray stones, the multi-level garden comes in at about three-feet wide and six-feet long at its widest and longest points.

Jarod gathers ideas for his fairy garden from his grandmother and the local greenhouse where he purchases plants and miniature accessories. That must be some high-quality inspiration because his garden is a well-planned centerpiece that truly makes an impact! The miniature garden itself has multiple levels, including a larger main area and a smaller section below. Using rocks, pebbles, wood chips, plants, and even a water element, Jarod has been able to section his garden into several different themed regions.

Jarod’s favorite piece in the garden is an extra-special miniature house. In beautiful blues and greens, the house stands out for its striking colors and geometric simplicity. Visitors to the garden may envy the abode, especially because Jarod made it himself in high school! From there, fairies and animals can visit countless other structures throughout the garden, including cottages and even a beachside house.

A stream or river separates the sides of Jarod’s miniature garden. Full of brilliant blue stones, this adds a natural element that plays especially well against the green plants that populate the rest of the garden. Jarod’s personal favorite is the miniature hosta. To one side of the river is a beach scene featuring a dock, umbrella, beach chairs, seashells, and sand castles. It will really make you want to book a vacation! Other scenes of note include a forest dotted with black bears, a cozy campfire, and a Japanese Zen garden featuring a Buddha statue, gong, pond, and peaceful stone elements.

Jarod’s garden delights the senses, for there are endless tiny details to take in, and all sorts of surprises to spot. The mix of textures, colors, plants, animals, fairies, and structures makes this miniature garden a stunner. Neighborhood families love to stop by the garden in the springtime too see what Jarod has added and changed. An intricate, ever-growing garden like this one brings joy to all those who visit, no matter their age or level of experience. You never know—Jarod might just be inspiring the next generation of miniature gardeners in his community!