New Plants to Try in the Fairy Garden

Everyone has a favorite plant in their miniature garden. Perhaps yours is a flower that reminds you of a loved one, or a miniature tree that looks just like the “life-sized” tree you had in your front yard when you were growing up. Maybe you have a prized Bonsai tree that has lasted for many years, or a delicate groundcover plant you have carefully cultivated. Some plants are teeny-tiny hideouts for our garden fairies. Others are the standout stars of their containers.

It is easy to come up with a list of our most-prized miniature plants. When was the last time you tried something new in the miniature garden? Whether it was last year or last week, now is a great time to add a fresh flower or new-to-you tree to your miniature garden. It could become your new favorite! With the world perpetually on “pause” during these challenging times, garden upgrades may not be the first thing on your mind. But fairy gardens are some of the few things that we can plan for at the moment, and the joy they bring to our neighbors and community members is immeasurable.

So, what are the latest finds for the garden? If you are used to working with flowers and trees in the miniature garden, it may be time to try your hand at a succulent. Delosperma Hot Cakes is a tough, drought-proof variety that works well in containers, even on hot, sunny patios. Brighten up your porch with this hardy, carefree plant. Native to South Africa, this “ice plant” gets its name from the shimmering glands that cover the succulent leaves. Neighbors will notice the plant’s glistening foliage and bright, vibrant flowers—even from six feet away! You can plant Delosperma HotCakes varieties in full sun. They require only occasional watering. When it comes to low-maintenance plant care, it does not get much better than that!

If you are in the market for a plant that loves shade rather than sun, you might consider Heterocentron elegans, Spanish Shawl. This is a tender, evergreen groundcover with an especially sweet personality. Native to Central America, it forms a dense mat of foliage. This one is ideal for covering large swathes of bare soil, decorating shade gardens, choking out weeds, and even using in rock walls. In the summertime, the dark leaves explode with bright magenta flowers that usually stick around through the fall. Just remember to keep the plant moist and protected from the hot sun.

In addition to new plants, you might consider adding some fun and friendly miniature accessories to your fairy garden in order to put a smile on the faces of passersby. Some communities are encouraging neighbors to display teddy bears in their windows as a sign of solidarity and neighborly cheer. Give the game a fairy garden twist by adding a friendly bear to your miniature garden! You might also consider creating some DIY garden signs or decorating with pre-made versions. “Plant” some signs in your miniature garden that say “Welcome,” “Happy Spring,” or “Hang in there,” and you are sure to bring light and laughter to those who visit your miniature garden or spot your container garden. Now is the time to get creative, have fun, and dig into new possibilities for your miniature garden or fairy garden.