Terrariums: Miniature gardens for plant-obsessed urban dwellers

The simple yet elegant look of terrariums has made a comeback in the recent years. Though much different from the big fish tank terrariums of the 1970s, the recent aesthetics of these little gardens have morphed into statement decorations all over, including office settings and elementary schools. The devotees of terrarium culture find it to be an artistic form of creation, whereas nature lovers see these enclosures as self-sustaining ecosystems to spice up the home. Istanbul has its own group of terrarium lovers and many botanic clubs are now offering workshops where you can make your own terrarium while getting creative at the same time.

Art



If you are one of those inventive minds that is always looking for new ways to express originality and creativity, then terrariums are your new hobby. Ranging in size and shape, colors and plants, it is safe to say that no two terrariums are the same. This unique quality of the enclosures draws the attention of art lovers as it is a simple and low-cost way to unleash your genius and decorate your home. Creating the perfect centerpiece for your home has never been easier; with sticks, stones and plants which can be found outside you can design and build a mini ecosystem that is one of a kind. Especially now as the holiday seasons draw closer, replace more traditional home-made presents for lively greenery in a vase. The therapeutic quality of arranging mosses and stones in glass enclosures has become a lovely pastime for those who have taken building terrariums to the next level. It is possible to buy ready-made terrariums in flower shops that have ditched the simple bouquets and single roses. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, the modern terrarium is an exceptional home decor item and a delightful gift.

Nature



As the cold weather settles in this season, those who love gardening may be getting a little gloomy about picking up a new past time until spring rolls around again. But have no fear, the terrarium is here! Each new terrarium is a gardening adventure just waiting to happen. Taking the gardening adventure indoors, on a smaller scale, terrariums have become the new fad in botanical endeavors. There are many different types of terrariums varying in plants, mosses, soils, rocks and sticks. As a gardener, you can place a replica of your real life garden into a bowl and watch it flourish indoors. For those who like the look and feel of plants in the home but unfortunately lack the green thumb to keep them alive, these elegant mini worlds are the perfect solution. A terrarium mimics the life cycle of earth on a much smaller scale, therefore these "mini worlds" in glass jars are 100% self-sustaining ecosystems that enchant the onlooker. In the right lighting and temperature, terrariums do not need any looking after. It can be safe to say that they actually thrive on neglect.

How does it work?



Terrariums are indoor gardens in sealed containers made of glass, a concept which hasn't changed much since the 1970's. The plants and the soil in the terrarium release water vapor - essentially recycling water. This happens because moisture from both the soil and plants evaporates in the elevated temperatures inside the terrarium. This water vapor then condenses on the walls of the container, and eventually trickles down to the plants and soil below. This contributes to creating an ideal environment for growing plants due to the constant supply of water, thereby preventing the plants from becoming over dry. As light passes through the transparent material of the terrarium, the plants within the enclosure are able to photosynthesize, an important aspect of plant growth. Terrariums are self-nourishing, which is why they require little maintenance, when sealed properly.

In Istanbul

As a densely populated city, Istanbul has countless workshops where you can learn to make a terrarium and design holiday presents for loved ones. Çiçek Akademi Istanbul has one-on-one workshops which can aid you in your creative process and give you all the details to maintain your masterpiece at home. You can purchase tickets on biletix.com for the Ortaköy Cep Sahne "Terrarium - Design Your Own New Year's Present" workshop, where you can let your creativity flow as part of a group process in building your own enclosure. One of the best known devotees of terrariums is, Terrarium House Istanbul. On their website and in their store you can see terrariums of all shapes and sizes, but the most surprising ones being just the size of your pinky.

Make Your Own:

Find a suitable container, preferably glass. You can use anything including a vase, a cleaned-out pasta jar, a fishbowl, or a special terrarium bowl.
Fill the bottom of the container with small rocks to collect the water drainage.
Add a layer of potting soil deep enough to support the plant roots.
Make a hole in the soil big enough for the roots and nestle the plants inside.
Play around with the arrangement by mixing up the types of plants, colors, and sizes to make it more visually pleasing.
Once the plants are arranged, add white sand around the plants.
Finish with some landscaping. Place a few additional pebbles, rocks, stones, and sticks to complete the look.
Tips: Opt out for plants that like darkness and have a high tolerance for humidity. Don't forget to keep in mind light and temperature while finding a place for your terrarium. Direct sunlight and cold temperatures might cause harm to your plants.