Can’t get your head around planting a large garden? Not prepared to give up your weekends in the name of lawn mowing, weeding and tending to plants? Maybe it’s time to give miniature gardening a go.
A mini-garden can be a great way to dip your toe into the world of gardening without a lot of work or financial outlay. It can involve anything from clustering pots together in a corner, buying a terrarium or just creating a windowsill filled with green.
We chatted to Maria Joseph from online plants and gifts site, Natures Colours, specialists in smaller plants that are perfect for gifts and home decorating, about her favourite miniature plants.
How to plant a miniature garden
When starting out, it’s important to look at the area of your home that you want to fill with green. Does it have light? Is it near a heating duct? Is it in a humid space like the bathroom? These factors will all impact the success of your garden.
![terrarium](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 2000 1500"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Mini gardens can be perfect for anyone who’s looking to dip their toe into gardening. Picture: Erinna Giblin
Maria says most rooms lack humidity, so misting the plants frequently will help to increase humidity.
It’s also important to keep plants away from air con vents, heaters or hot windows (especially in summer).
Most indoor plants (with the exception of succulents) don’t enjoy harsh sunlight, so while it’s good to keep them near a window, make sure the position is not going to dry your babies out too much.
Succulents
It’s almost impossible to overstate just how easy succulents are to care for and they’re also compact enough to live in any miniature garden.
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Succulents are great for mini gardens and require little care – if they’re given the right conditions. Picture: Getty Images
Succulents can be easily propagated from other plants, require almost no watering (in fact more succulents are killed by over watering than under watering) and they come in more shapes, sizes, tones and textures than you can poke a stick at.
Just pop these guys into some succulent-friendly soil and give them lots of light.
Parlour palm
Lush parlour palms are real beauties – and are particularly well-suited to an indoor garden as they stay compact in their pots.
Parlour palms will stay compact and neat – perfect for a mini garden. Picture: Getty
Maria says it’s best to keep parlour palms in a bright space, but not in direct light. Also, be careful not to over water the plants.
“Water only when soil is dry to the touch. Simply push your finger into the soil, if it feels dry it’s time to water. Overwatering will kill the plant.”
Syngonium
A favourite in terrariums around the world, the syngonium is a soft, elegant addition to any indoor garden. The heart-shaped plant comes in a variety of shades, from pink to white and green.
Syngoniums love terrariums and mini-gardens. Picture: Getty
Syngoniums love bright spaces – but no direct sun, please.
Maria suggests cleaning the leaves by wiping them down with a damp cloth, which allows the plant to photosynthesize.