Terrariums

I've always been fascinated with terrariums. They're intricate and beautiful, somewhat magical. My interpretation of a terrarium is a bonsai in a Wardian case. I want a house full of beautiful terrariums. lol* 

If you don't know what terrariums are, terrariums are miniature, self contained eco-systems. Once created, these closed environments can go for months unattended without even adding water.

my terrarium

The history of Terrariums goes back to the early 1800's.  But, even before the early 1800's, plants were kept under bell-shaped glass jars for exhibit since 500 BC. But the terrarium in its modern form was invented by accident in 1827 by Nathaniel Ward, a London physician with a passion for botany. Dr. Ward built a fern rockery in his backyard, but the ferns kept dying, poisoned by the fumes from the city's factories. Ward was also studying moths and caterpillars and, while experimenting with a cocoon in a covered jar for observation, he noticed that several plants had grown in the bit of soil at the bottom of the jar. Among the bottled plants was a fern and, unlike the ferns in his garden, it looked healthy; Dr. Ward concluded that plants could flourish in London if they could be protected from the city's polluted air. Ward pursued his discovery in miniature greenhouses, which he named fern cases, and which are now known as Wardian cases or terrariums.

Ever since the invention of Wardian cases, horticulturists were able to bring back sensitive tropical plants in Wardian cases well-protected from salt air and changing climatic conditions during the long sea voyage. Ward's terrariums also became popular for growing the plants, and it became, in various guises, almost a domestic necessity. The poor had to content themselves with inexpensive rudimentary versions, but there were no limits for the rich. Wardian cases grew into miniature Taj Mahals and Brighton Pavilions, perfect vehicles for the contemporary love of elaborate ornamentation as well as living plants. The Wardian case was fashionable in the United States in the early 1860s, and hardly a self-respecting Victorian household was without one. 

Today's "Wardian Cases", or Terrariums, as we now call them, no longer have the need to keep our plants away from cold, and fouled air, but serve quite another purpose. With the dry air of our modern air conditioned, and forced air heated homes, many plants have difficulty thriving without a great deal of attention. Terrariums allow us to keep plants easily in our homes in attractive, decorative containers, while creating an environment which requires very little care. Closed terrariums, happy in their humidity filled surroundings, actually thrive on neglect. So make one for yourself and enjoy the beauty of the terrariums. You can creat terrariums in almost anything, but they look absolutely gorgeous in apothecary jars, Wardian case or any glass containers. The Wardian case can also serve a an decorative objet in any room. Look for one at tag sales, consignment shops or antique stores. Good luck!