All about Miniature Gardening: Plants, Projects and Accessories...

What is it?

“Big things come in small packages.” It’s so true…especially when it comes to miniature gardening. It’s just like life-sized gardening—but on a tinier scale!

Miniature gardens are made of slow-growing plants--typically ones that are “dwarf” and “miniature.” The two terms describe the growth rate of the plant, not the mature size. “Dwarf” means the plant grows 1” to 6” per year. “Miniature” means the plant will grow less than 1” per year.

The plants are combined with mini accessories to make realistic, living mini garden scenes—ones that can last up to six years in a container with minimal care.

History

The history of miniature gardening includes bonsai--the art of growing a miniature tree or shrub. With bonsai, the roots and branches of the plant are selectively pruned to fit in a shallow dish. Hence, the plant is tricked into growing small.

Bonsai originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (618 A.D. to 907 A.D.). According to Chinese legend, an emperor in the Han Dynasty of 206 BC to 220 A.D. recreated his entire empire in miniature so he could see it from his palace window. Transforming his whole courtyard into hills, valleys, rivers, lakes and trees, he then claimed the art form as his own. No one else was permitted to have a miniature landscape as it was seen to be a threat to his empire and punishable by death!

Railroad gardening has been around since the full-sized railroads in 1860. Model trains were built to entice and sell the real ones to the public so they were made to work outdoors with fully functioning railways and landscapes.

With an abundance of new miniature, dwarf trees and shrubs available today, miniature gardening has become easier and more accessible. Two Green Thumbs has spent the last 10 years figuring out what works, so gardening enthusiasts don't have to. And the do-it-yourself kits make it that much more enjoyable, quick and easy!

A miniature garden moment with Vespa!