Make a Miniature Garden

Escape into a lush and tranquil realm, reminiscent of a forest floor, where mosses flourish and mushrooms sprout.

Designate this textural garden as an ideal place to display a few geological treasures, gathered on a trip or saved for special memories they hold.

Set the planter in a shady spot where the mosses will thrive, given consistent moisture. Set the basin on a tabletop or bring the garden closer to eye level by putting it on a pedestal.

• Concrete birdbath (with separate basin and pedestal)
• Pea gravel
• Moisture-retentive crystals
• Potting mix (that contains fertilizer)
• Geodes and decorative stones
• Decorative mushrooms and other ornaments
• Clover (Trifolium spp.) -- on the left
• Log moss (Neckera complanata) -- in the center
• Club moss/trailing spikemoss (Selaginella kraussiana) -- on the top right

1. Cover the bottom of the birdbath basin with a 1-inch layer of pea gravel.
2. Blend moisture-retentive crystals with potting mix, according to package directions. Fill the basin with potting mix, mounding it up to 4 inches above the rim.
3. Cover the mound with a blanket of fresh log moss and a sprig of clover, if desired. Leave room to plant the club moss (or trailing spikemoss).
4. Place decorative rocks, ornamental mushrooms, and other natural-looking accents here and there, nestling them into the moss so they won't tumble out.
5. Use club moss as an accent planting, positioning it behind the large geode.
6. Shower the garden regularly to keep it moist, green, and lush.