It's All in the Container - Secrets to a Unique and Beautiful Terrarium

The Container of a terrarium doesn't have to beEnclosed terrariums
a glass jug. It can be any one of a thousandThis type is the most challenging but can also be
creative ideas. Using a unique container willthe most dramatic because you are enclosing all
transform your average terrarium into somethingthe materials in an airtight container. The most
unique and a conversation piece for friends tocommonly seen terrarium of this type is in a
look at and enjoy. Here are some ideas forgallon jug or two liter plastic bottle.
creative containers you can use.When selecting a container for this type the most
There are two basic types of terrariums andimportant thing you need to watch out for is that
knowing these types will help you choose ayou should use something that is totally clear.
container. The first type is an open type. It canEither transparent glass or plastic will work well.
be considered to be very similar to a potted plant.But something that is tinted a color like green or
The difference is that you have more than onebrown will not work well. The color will block
plant in it. This variety of plants makes it a smallsunlight from the plants and make it difficult for
eco-system.you to see inside.
Open Air TerrariumsSome Creative Ideas for closed terrariums
Making this type of terrarium gives you a lot ofJust about any transparent container can be used
options and just about anything that will hold soilas a closed terrarium and I have used gallon jugs
can be used for this type. Some very suitablevery successfully. One of my favorites is one
containers include lawn ornaments, ceramicthat I made using a Tabasco bottle. It's very tiny
statues, ceramic bowls, coffee mugs, wine bottlesbut it was a lot of fun to make and is a lot of fun
and fish bowls. You can take just about any threeto look at. Other suitable containers include
dimensional object and either hollow it out so ituniquely shaped food and drink bottles, spice
has a reservoir for soil and plants or you can drillbottles, cookie jars and wine bottles. If you are
large holes in it to hold the soil.ambitious and you want a real challenge you could
But I recommend you take this creativeuse a five gallon water jug - the kind that goes
terrarium making to another level and tie it intoon top of an office style water cooler. These
something that interests you as a hobby. I reallymake wonderful terrariums because of their size
love astronomy and telescopes so I took an oldbut can be a real challenge because you have to
brass telescope and cut a large slot along the topdo everything through a small opening at the top.
of it. I put soil in it and planted flowers. I mountedOnce you start thinking about terrarium
it on a small tripod and now I have a very uniquecontainers you are going to see great ones all
terrarium that also says something about me. Ifover the house, at yard sales, and in stores. All of
you have a hobby or a craft that you like to doa sudden things you never considered will become
you should look at the materials and commongreat opportunities for a terrarium that is unique
items that are used in the hobby and see if youand beautiful.
can turn some of them into a terrarium.