Faerie Gardening

Whether or not you believe in fairies, a fairy garden is a charming addition to your landscaping. Even if fairies don’t make an appearance, this themed garden will attract other welcome visitors such as hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
Begin by selecting the proper location for your garden. The ideal location is a spot some distance from the house that gets dappled shade and not a great deal of foot traffic.
Select plants with delicate, nodding flowers or leaves and pleasing fragrances. It is always best to use native varieties when you can get them.
columbine, snapdragons, foxglove, lady’s slipper, nasturtium, fern, heather, pansy, peony, violets, poppy, irises, mints, thyme and roses are excellent choices.
Miniature versions of these are also suitable. Wooly thyme and corsican mint make lovely resting places and miniature roses look charming among fairy statuary.
Shrubberies provide protection and a lovely backdrop. Try rosebushes, blackberry, barberry and holly.
Trees can also provide shade and welcome protection to fairies and wildlife. Try elder, hawthorn, oak, ash and birch.
A fairy garden should never be a manicured space with everything in its place. You should give your plants the opportunity to do what comes naturally… to get a natural affect. It may take a few seasons for this to happen, but the wait is worth it.
If you can, incorporate water into your garden plan. A bird bath, a small pond or a fountain or waterfall will fit the bill. If you use a bird bath, use the sort that rests on the ground rather than putting one on a pedestal.
Decorate your garden with fairy themed statuary. Select elegant or whimsical pieces. Little faces peering out of the ground or out of your trees, stepping stones with fairy images, or other pieces portraying fairies, gnomes or other mythical creatures are all appropriate. Shiny wind chimes, wind dancers and gazing balls will add to the effect. Include hiding places, such as tree stumps, piles of stones or mounds of soil or broken or tipped flowerpots.
You may also wish to include a spot where you will place offerings and gifts for the fairy folk. A large, flat rock is suitable for this or you may wish to use an ornamental bowl of some sort, or a large seashell. Use your imagination and creativity!
When your garden is complete, be sure to invite the local fairies to come enjoy your garden. You may wish to do a formal welcoming or dedication ceremony or simply focus your conscious intent as you work.