Miniature Gardening

[Nili]

I want to try miniature gardening. How do I start?

 

[Marck]

What exactly do you mean?
In the U.S. there is a hobby known as 'fairy gardening' where gardeners create miniature tableau with low, fine-leaved plants, figurines, doll-furniture, ornaments, etc.
Of course, just growing small plants in small pots could be considered miniature gardening as well.

 

[Nili]

What exactly do you mean?
In the U.S. there is a hobby known as 'fairy gardening' where gardeners create miniature tableau with low, fine-leaved plants, figurines, doll-furniture, ornaments, etc.
Of course, just growing small plants in small pots could be considered miniature gardening as well.

Yes, I have seen fairy gardening. I am particularly want to grow plants which are naturally tiny. Not through baby plants. What can I grow in a pista shell?

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Then there is bonsai, but I don't expect you mean that.
Do you mean a pasta shell? There are some small plants, various types of moss spring to mind, but maintaining growing conditions like moisture would be difficult in a small container, possibly something like a bottle garden where the container is closed so there is no drying out?

 

[Marck]

There are many wonder plants that stay small, though most may need to be pruned or divided from time to time to maintain their 'miniature' status. Many succulents from arid regions are excellent choices for plants that will stay relatively small for long periods. South African mesembs (Aizoaceae), as well as Haworthia and relatives (Asphodelaceae) are two choice groups to focus on. Another would be cacti (Cactaceae), which also has many beautiful dwarf species.

However literally growing plants in pista shells (pistachio shells? pasta shells??), or other thimble-sized containers, is not reasonable. Consider containers of at least 2 inches/ 5 centimeters in diameter and depth.