DIY Teacup Gardens

I love vintage teacups and I love mini gardens. This DIY is a great way to make a tiny garden of your own that can add a magical, whimsical feel to those winter days.

They also can be gifted to others to brighten their day. Here is one I made for my sister for her birthday. My sister and I share a birthday (and no we aren't twins). She always makes me the most beautiful handmade things. (She's crazy talented) So I wanted to send her something with a little more thought and love this year. I just hope the tiny orchid can survive the frigid temperatures to the frozen hinterland where she lives. (Update: Her tiny little orchid made it through the freezing temperatures of the hinterland!! Yay!)

The best part is you can customize your tiny teacup garden any way you want. They are great for tiny forced bulbs like, crocus, mini iris or snowdrops. Moss and tiny ferns are wonderful. Add some tiny mushrooms. (I hand sculpted the ones for my sister, but you can use real ones is you find them)

You can also choose any teacup that you fancy! Victorian loveliness, blue and white china or a pop of boho color on a gray day. It's amazing how much joy you can derive from a tiny garden that fits on a saucer!

You will need:

• A tea cup (I love to browse our local antique shops and thrift shops for the perfect tea cup)

• Tiny plants- bulbs, ferns, succulents or bromeliads work well

• Potting soil or other growing media like coconut core

• Moss for arranging around plants

• Other decorative objects, tiny shells, feathers, polished stones (whatever makes you happy)

The assembly is pretty straightforward. Place your tiny plants in a pleasing manner, surround with growing media or potting soil. Arrange moss and found objects on top and voila, you have a teacup garden of your very own!

Note: make sure that you water your plants carefully so they don't get soggy feet. Bromeliads and ferns just need a misting. Water other plants so the soil is just moist, not wet.