I've seen the work many of us do in here, and I prefer what we make. I just thought I would post these photos to give you an idea of what "professionals" charge. :)
The charming little cottage in this garden lists for $229.00.
-Joe
Some commercially-planted fairy gardens ...
This garden has a pre-occupied bench.
-Joe
This is a fairy estate ...
-Joe
I would think this look could be replicated fairly inexpensively. I know that many pet stores stock small houses and castles that can be used as aquarium decorations. Garage sales around here sometimes offer sculptures that can work well.
These houses in these photos start at $229 and go up from there. They are made of cast concrete. I am thinking that with some plaster, some damp sand (to make the molds for the walls and roof), and some glue (to glue the walls and roof together) they should be replacatable for $20 or less.
I also noted that this nursery in particular charged big bucks for tufa planters.
I'm certain tufa planters can be made for less.
:)
Everyone have good weekends!
-Joe
There's a hypertufa forum, I believe - I've been eyeing these "fairy gardens"....
Carrie
joe--thanks for posting those pics--gives me a great idea--also i noticed that i do not see the fairies in any of them--i have some tiny houses i could use but haven't because for some reason i felt i needed the right size fairy --is one in a bird bath?
i wonder if you keep those outdoors and if so do you keep them in a sheltered spot--i guess i am wondering how fragile they are--a storm or heavy rain might destroy the little stuff--are they meant for an atruium or sun room?
The houses and the containers are all concrete. I would think they would be very durable. I would wonder about drainage though myself.
-Joe
right--and it isn't the container i was thinking of--the little "things" used in them would be pelted down by hard wind, rain, hail etc wouldn't they? i think i will put mine in a sheltered spot (under the eaves) and move it indoors for the winter--i already found the container to make one in! thanks again for showing the pictures--
I hadn't thought of that. They'd have to be sheltered, especially in places with more violent rains and hail. Good point!
And thank you for the feedback. :)
-Joe
I thought the fairies just sort of drifted in when they wanted to . . . concrete fairies?
concrete houses, concrete containers
But the fairies themselves are gossamer-light, they just come and live in the handy concrete houses.
I was always of the idea that the fairies had either just stepped out, or they were busy inside doing something and couldn't be bothered with visiting. :)
-Joe
Being gossamer-light, the concrete helps anchor them. Windstorms, heck even breezy days can mean hours spent flying back home.
-Joe
Me too, except fairies FLY out!
Well true. Flying makes better sense than stepping. I have a hard time thinking like a faerie.
Boy that is such a loaded statement.
On that note I bid you good night. :)
-Joe
Those are so cute.
we are discussing a forum for just these types of gardens if anyone would like to post their support for a miniature forum:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/865603/
Aaww! those are cute! What kind of plant do they use?
Now, shouldn't this thread get moved to the new Tiny Gardens Forum?
I think so...:0)
-T
I've seen that Fairy Estate online and it's so beautiful. Only one problem - I just can't picture fairies living on estates. They're such nature lovers, and I think they would just balk at all that wealth!
If I could afford to buy that estate, I would either find little "regular people" figurines for it, or shrink myself down to live in it!
I'm with you, Sue, Barbies live on estates; fairies live in acorns or under a leaf or something ethereal like that.
i agree--fairies should be footloose and fancy free! not tied down to an estate !!
Can someone tell me how specifically to do the sand and glue deal, and if it is liquid like of if it can be molded free standing?
Go to the Hypertufa Forum, or even google hypertufa!
Isn't glue and sand deal something else? I've asked in there and not really gotten anything.