Taking the time to see the extraordinary beauty
in the tiniest of things.
This is one of my favorite terrariums.
There is something to be felt when looking at a planted world under glass.
The earthy miniature scene all contained under a clear viewing window for us to gaze inside to seems to provide us with a mood of calm and peace. But, only if you take the time to explore the beauty in the tiniest of things around you.
♥
Created from a little aged white dish for the soil and sweet little plant to rest in, and an old glass vase from the goodwill store which I used as a cloche.
Cloche; I love that word.
A cloche is a bell or rounded dome shape cover usually made from glass or plastic. It is often used to cover and protect small outdoor plants from frost, or as a tableware cloche used to cover food items.
We create many of our cloches out of old glass vases, recycled jars, and glass dishware. We simply turn the glassware upside down and voila! You have a a plant terrarium, or plant under glass, as I like to call them!
☙ I call it my heart in a jar. ❧
With hope, I rested the glass vase over top of a little cutting of a Wood Violet - Viola riviniana 'Purpurea'.
I loved how the leaves resembled little hearts.
I wasn't confident this sweet little plant was going to thrive, or even survive, but it has.
It's been perfect due to a healthy growing environment;
with a layer of little rocks or pea gravel for drainage,
a layer of some activated charcoal for added drainage, nutrients, clean air and freshness,
and a healthy topping of a good potting soil.
As it is a closed in environment, and having this sweet little terrarium placed in a lightly lit window, the need for watering has been minimal, and has almost become a self sustaining environment. Usually dew drops will form on the inside of the glass in the morning light and heat proving just enough moisture; if not I just give the Viola a little drink of water when needed.
As it is a closed in environment, and having this sweet little terrarium placed in a lightly lit window, the need for watering has been minimal, and has almost become a self sustaining environment. Usually dew drops will form on the inside of the glass in the morning light and heat proving just enough moisture; if not I just give the Viola a little drink of water when needed.
It's been living well for about many months now.
With no new growth or leaves it has created the perfect little heart under glass, and became a beautiful mini terrarium to photograph.
UPDATE: The little Wood Viola was in a resting phase during the winter months, but in Spring has woken up with new growth daily.
I'll post an updated picture soon, as it it is no longer one heart, but many!
I added some sweetness to the original image.
I duplicated the leaf at a larger size and then lightly colored one of heart the heart leaves a soft pink in Photoshop Elements.
...and then I couldn't resist coloring both!
The smallest things can make my heart smile.
Hope you find the perfect little cloche for your mini terrarium!
