Create a Magical Miniature Garden

Fairy gardens--a new take on an old favorite, the terrarium--are tiny worlds complete with miniature furnishings, fairy-scale plants and plenty of mystique.

They appeal to gardeners of all ages. "Grandmas are probably having the most fun," says Roberta Smith, proprietor at a "one-stop fairy garden shop" in Cologne, Minnesota. But, she says, young moms also love the idea. "It stimulates their children's imaginations and encourages reading--the Flower Fairies series of books by Cicely Mary Barker are a favorite."

Just a touch of inspiration, a cute container, some plants and a few accessories are all it takes to get the magic of a fairy garden growing. Click through the next slides for some tips on starting a fairy garden similar to the one shown here, made by the Garden Barn of Indianaola, Iowa.

Pictured: Plants in the basket include a violet (Viola) at the front left, plumed asparagus, ivy, tiny ajuga and grasslike Armeria.