A terrarium lets you bring the outdoors indoors. You're limited only by your imagination.
This terrarium was built by my grandson and it cost us nothing (aside from already having the aquarium so figure in that cost).
My sister and brother-in-law have a large vacation property and his woods are loaded with plants and moss. We got moss (you can see the outdoors moss garden I'm building here Moss Garden ) and a small fern. When he first added these things it was pretty flat. There wasn't much growth. In a matter of about 2 weeks the fern has taken off. You can see there are other small plants and vegetation growing as well.
To make the terrarium, he put down a small amount of dirt at the bottom of the container and then added some sticks and rocks from our backyard. He mixed in moss and added the fern to complete the project. When you start your terrarium, begin adding dirt and rocks and moss and sticks and plants where you think they look good and move things around until you get the desired effect.We spray this daily and I have it sitting by my picture window for sunlight.
His plan is to get a screen for the top and add some poison dart frogs. You can do that or simply set the terrarium up for looks only.
I'll put up a picture when things grow more.
In another post, I'll show you the way he set up a turtle tank. It's a different type of terrarium with water and rocks and plants.
My grandson and I gathered more moss this weekend, along with a few interesting plants. I managed to get everything into my new moss garden area in time for some good rainfall.
This is still a work in progress but I thought showing the next step might be beneficial to you. Generally I find I never have a completely finished work. There always seems to be something new to add.
We're trying to figure out how to add a water feature that fits into the blank area, as that is a cement pad. I have a few ideas but nothing solid yet. Another idea is to figure out a way to make that open area look like a pond.
The concrete pad is throwing a curve in the project but there always seems to be something you need to work around or tie into the landscape.
I used to have 5 rose bushes in this small area. I put them in for my wife and, out of respect for her, I continued to tend to them for the past 5 years after she passed away. Even though I hate rose bushes and they would literally hurt me. I was always scratched up.
Here is my new project in the beginning stage. I tore out the bushes and decided to add moss. There's just a small amount but my grandson and I plan to gather more in the next couple weeks. In order to plant moss, you dunk it in a bucket of water and then press it firmly on the ground. You won't hurt it so don't be afraid to apply pressure.
As this area becomes filled with moss, I will post updates. I'm considering adding a Hosta as they are so easy to grow and require hardly any maintenance.
A little planning and your backyard will be bringing in birds for years to come.
Food
Every bird species has its own unique food requirements, and these
may change as the bird matures and as the seasons change. Learn the food habits
of the birds you wish to attract. Then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, or
flowers that will provide the fruits, berries, grains, seeds, acorns, nuts, or
nectar.
Water
You can probably double the number of bird species in your yard by
providing a source of water. A frog pond, water garden, or bird bath will get
lots of bird use, especially if the water is dripping, splashing, or moving.
I'll tell you what. To me, a pond is a must. The sound of the water, the water plants, the birds taking baths and showers under the waterfall, the squirrels and chipmunks getting drinks; I say put in a pond and do your gardening around it.
Butterflies are also attracted to water and the sound of water. It is too cool to have a bunch of butterflies in your backyard.
Shelter
Birds need places where they can hide from predators and escape
from severe weather. Trees (including hollow ones), shrubs, tall grass, and bird
houses provide excellent shelter. I throw twigs and branches I've trimmed into piles in our yard and we find rabbits and chipmunks and other wildlife love these piles.
A word of caution. If you do this and decide to burn them at a later time, seperate the pile first so no baby animals perish.
Diversity
The best landscaping plan is one that includes a wide variety
of plants. This helps attract a greater number of bird species. We've noted that plants for butterflies have attracted himmingbirds, and vice-versa. Remember, birds don't read books and may like some plants that the books don't say they like.
Experiment.
You're trying to make the yard attractive to you as well as to the birds. Have some fun!
Four Seasons
It is necessary to provide birds with food and shelter
during all four seasons of the year. Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers that will
provide year-round food and shelter.
It's even more important to keep the feeders full and water available in the winter months when the plant life has died. Feed these birds and wildlife during the winter months and they will reward you by hanging around in the nice months.
Arrangement
Habitat components need to be properly arranged. Consider
the effects of prevailing winds (and snow drifting) so your yard will be
protected from harsh winter weather.
Let me make a note here. We didn't follow these guidelines. We planted where we wanted to, checking only to see if our plants needed shade, sun or a combination. If the plants died, we bought new ones. No rocket science here.
Protection
Birds should be protected from unnecessary mortality. When
choosing the placement of bird feeders and nest boxes, consider their
accessibility to predators.
You also should be cautious about
the kinds of herbicides and pesticides used in your yard. They should be applied
only when necessary and strictly according to label instructions.
Hardiness Zones
When considering plants not native to your area, consult
a plant hardiness zone map (they are in most garden catalogues). Make sure the
plants you want are rated for the winter hardiness zone classification of your
area. Most plants have this info listed when you purchase, as well as telling you how much sun or shade is best.
Landscaping for the birds will be as rewarding as anything you have ever done.
The Monarch butterfly just might be the most popular butterfly. They're large, colorful and seem to always be around.
The monarch has some of the most gorgeous colors you will ever find on a species of butterfly. This particular butterfly is commonly called the milkweed butterfly because they are commonly found eating this variety of plant. This is also the location where most Monarch butterflies lay their eggs.
The majority of Monarch butterflies are found in North America.
Monarch butterflies migrate and follow the same pattern year after year. They move to warm climates including Florida, Texas, and Mexico during the winter months. You will see them doing so in very large groups. You will have to look close though as you can easily mistake them for a bunch of autumn leaves! This is because the Monarch butterfly adapts to the environment and blends in for protection.
It always seems exciting to see them return to the garden each year. I've noticed they seem to spend a lot of time on my Gooseneck plants.
Hummingbirds start arriving when the weather starts to warm and can be pretty much anytime in the early spring. I found out last year that putting my feeders out early attracted more hummingbirds than I've ever had before.
They see red and so the possibility is when you put the feeders up early, they may be passing by, see them and stop to feed. Many people say that when that happens, they are likely to decide to make your area their home.
Obviously you have to be aware of freezing overnight temperatures as it's possible your drink could freeze and break your feeder. I think I pulled my feeder in twice last year but, again, it was well worth it as I had a lot more hummingbirds.
