cover image Miniature Terrariums: Tiny Glass Container Gardens Using Easy-to-Grow Plants and Inexpensive Glassware

Miniature Terrariums: Tiny Glass Container Gardens Using Easy-to-Grow Plants and Inexpensive Glassware

Edited by Eriko Terui and the staff of Fourwords, trans. from the Japanese by Leeyong Soo. Tuttle, $17.99 (96p) ISBN 978-4-8053-1477-7

This meticulous and eye-catching book gives hope to the plant lover whose space is limited, but whose green thumb abides. Put together by the staff of Fourwords, the garden division of the Japanese chain Actus Interiors, the work offers a history and general background about terrarium gardening, the practice of growing and keeping plants in small glass containers. After explaining what a terrarium is and how it is best maintained in various environments, the authors provide simple instructions about how to build three types of small-scale terrariums with step-by-step illustrations. The projects range from simple hanging terrariums involving air plants and moss in a glass jar hung from linen cord to a more complicated little garden box involving multiple plants and a layer of stones on top of a bed of Seramis. “Simply adding green to a room makes it a space where you can relax,” the authors write, asking, “Why not try incorporating this healing and decorative item into your daily life?” Gardeners of every skill level looking for something new will appreciate this approachable take on terrarium gardening with a twist of home design. Color photos. (May)