While growing a typical garden is usually enjoyable on its own, what if there was a way to make the whole experience just a bit more — let’s just say — magical?
That’s what the fairy gardens are all about. These whimsical outdoor areas incorporate miniature accessories to attract fairies and other magical creatures to your backyard. They can be grown in raised garden beds, pots, containers or even in the ground.
With thousands of fairy garden posts on TikTok, kids and adults of all ages are getting in on the fun. Think tiny fairy houses, figurines and even small tables and chairs for your magical creatures to dine when they visit.
What are fairy gardens?
Fairy gardens are the perfect blend of gardening and crafting. What’s more, they’re a creative, playful hobby everyone can enjoy.
“We’ve been wanting to create a garden on the deck together this spring but also have it be a space we can add to and have fun with,” says Rose France of @roselynfrance. “My daughter suggested a fairy garden after watching Tinker Bell and we loved the idea!”
How to DIY your own
To make your own fairy garden, simply follow the steps you would to create a traditional garden, but make sure you choose miniature plants or opt for flowers that aren’t too much taller than your figurines.
“I build my miniature gardens in pots by planting them just like a full-sized garden, following the same design rules and queues but it’s all miniaturized. A miniature garden can last for up to 10 years in a container when you start with the right plants,” says Janit Calvo of The Mini Garden Guru.
If you need design inspiration, check out Pinterest for flower or theme ideas before heading to your local plant shop or farm.
Where to find affordable materials
So you have your plants and you’ve decided on a theme. Now what? TikTok users are discovering tons of adorable supplies at their local dollar store. “They have great options for fairy gardens. We also check thrift stores,” says France.
Calvo also suggests opting for materials that can be reused year to year to save money and avoid adding to the landfill. Alternatively, you can try recycled materials around the house. “A bottle cap and cork make a cute stool, and a tiny clay pot topped with a part of a jar lid and painted are a sweet table,” says Julie Pruett of Gingham Gardens.
Once you find everything you need to bring your garden to life, have fun planting and crafting all at once. Whether you go for a container, raised bed or in-ground garden, fairies are bound to fly on by.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
