Create a Magical Miniature Garden

Pick a container Be creative, but allow proper drainage to prevent soggy roots. Terra-cotta pots with saucers work great, and you can hide them inside a larger container, like a fun picnic basket.

Add soil Use quality potting soil that provides nutrients plants need.

Select plants Herbs are a smart choice because they stay small with just a little trimming, grow easily and offer wonderful fragrance. Theresa Mieseler of Shady Acres Herb Farm in Chaska, Minnesota (a regular presenter of fairy garden workshops), likes thyme (Thymus praecox 'Minor') as a convincing groundcover, ornamental onion ( Allium senescens 'Glaucum') for a perfect little hedge, creeping savory (Satureja spicigera) shaped into a small bush and lemon-scented geraniums (Pelargonium crispum) to serve as sweet little trees. Topping her list of other plant picks are firecracker plant, lavender, dwarf licorice, marjoram, dwarf myrtle, oregano, rosemary and sage.

Accessorize Create paths and seating areas--and add miniature fences, furniture, pots and garden tools.

Invite fairies Leave them to the imagination, or pick characters at a fairy garden supplier.