Indoor Gardens

Have you been thinking of a special gift for someone? You would like to WOW them, but not sure how to do this at a reasonable price? Indoor Gardens are a very unique and practical gift idea.

Indoor gardens or "dish gardens" are an arrangement of several different very small plants in a single container. It's a great way to carry on the theme of container gardening, however is a bit different from traditional container gardening in the container you use. Greenhouse growers like Hendriks Greenhouses do a fantastic job of producing ready made indoor gardens which you can find in many retail stores.

If you choose to create your own indoor garden, it should be in an open, shallow container. The size is only relevant to the extent of how many (or few) plants it will be able to support. Most garden centers will have a good variety of ceramic dishes made just for this purpose. You may also find items that are designed for other uses that will work perfectly for your indoor garden. Things such as a hollowed out log or whicker baskets work as great containers as long as they can withstand constant moisture.

Unfortunately, because indoor gardens typically have limited root space, the plants will tend to outgrow their home rather quickly. For this reason, it is a good idea to choose slow growing plants to prevent having to replace them too often. Choose plants that have the same general lighting and water requirements as your other choices. Most of the plants which are suitable as terrarium plants will work equally as well in an indoor garden, but the varieties which need extra humidity may need daily misting. When you purchase your plants, make sure to look for the pickOntario label.

When planting, use a good commercial potting soil, to which you have added coarse sand or perlite to aid in the drainage. Add a sufficient layer of this soil mix, so that when you set the new plants in place, their soil level will be about 1/2 inch below the rim of the planter. Without removing the plants from their pots, try different planting arrangements. Don't forget to consider any garden "accents" which you plan to use, during this planning stage.

Set your plants into position, making any final adjustments. Fill in around each plant with fresh planting mix, and then continue with this process until all of the plants are in place. Add more soil as needed to fill in areas. Pack the soil gently, and water it lightly. Accents like small twigs and stones can be used to hide any bare plant stems, or to highlight an area of the garden. Any other ornaments you choose to add to your landscape, will add to the artistry, the character, and the personal touch.

An indoor garden should present a theme, which mirrors the interests of the owner. Even a single plant can become a landscaping work of art by adding a few simple accents of moss, driftwood or stones. An indoor garden created by you, will be a long lasting reminder to someone, that you cared enough to give your time and a little thought to making their day special.

Indoor gardens can be found at your local retail florist or gardening center.