Your Miniature Garden Center

Our focus here at Two Green Thumbs is Miniature Gardening ~ all our trees that are for sale online, are only sold in 4 inch pots: 4 inches in diameter by 4 inches deep.

With this reference you can gage the size of the tree in the pot when you see a picture of it on our website or in our store.

Mops Golden Dwarf Threadbranch Cypress
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Mops'

How much will they grow?
What's the difference between dwarf and miniature?

It is unfortunate that the term "dwarf" is used very loosely in the horticultural world. Both "miniature" and "dwarf" describe growth rate - but many people have been duped by the term "dwarf" after reading it on a plant tag.

Here's the general rule:

"Miniature" is defined as growing less than 1" per year (205 cm), with a height after 10 years of 6" to 10" (15 to 25 cm) and a maximum height, and width, of less than three feet (90 cm).

"Dwarf" is defined as growing between 1" and 6" per year (2.5 to 15 cm), with a height after 10 years of anywhere from one to five feet (30 cm to 1.5 m) and a maximum height and spread of 10 to 25 feet (3 to 7.5 m).

And there's where one problem lays: That difference, between 1" and 6", is monumental after several years growth! It can add up fast when your wanting a specific scale too.

The other problem is that growers will grow plants with cute names. By including "dwarf" or "miniature" in the common name, it appeals to the customer and, of course, sells faster. Big-box stores tend to carry these more so than your local nursery, but keep in mind that most nurseries don't normally print their own plant tags - the grower does. And common names of plants can vary greatly from grower to grower, region to region.

What to do? Look for the growth rate on the tag and you do the math. Buy from your local nursery, garden center or online who you trust their information and their opinion.

For our purposes here at Two Green Thumbs, we would love to stock only the miniatures but that would severely limit our palette. So, we aim to keep to the lower end of the "dwarf" scale in order to keep that miniature look for as long as possible. With all our listings, in our library or our online store, you'll find the growth rate listed. We only carry quality too - because a tree with a growth rate of 6" per year in 1/2" scale - is way too fast! (It would equal 12 feet per year in 1/2 inch scale!)

Where do these miniature and dwarf trees come from?

Some new plants are accidents of nature that have been discovered to be different enough from the original plant to warrant a new name.

Some new plants are from seedlings that have grown by chance, selected seedlings or from controlled pollination by the grower.

Some new plants are mutations, ‘witches’ brooms’ or ‘sports’, found on adult plants or trees that are cut off a propagated, creating new forms.

And some new plants are purposefully developed by cuttings or grafts taken from already existing plants called ‘cultivariants’.

A new plant must be different enough to warrant reproducing. A regular growth rate, predictable shape, drought and hardiness in the heat and the cold, moisture and light requirements, uses in landscape situations, and most importantly, it must have unique enough characteristics to warrant a separate plant name. These elements are considered before someone can claim and name the new plant. Plant combinations are infinite- but the new plant must fill a need that no other plant in the geographic region does, not just a slight difference in the length of the needle.

While most growers are looking for faster growing trees, there are a few devoted horticulturalists that look for just the opposite – and thanks to them we have a wonderful variety of miniature trees to choose from.

About Accidents of Nature

There are endless ways for a plant to mutate and be an‘accident of nature’. It can be a seed dropped by a bird that germinates on its own and must adapt to the new climate in order for it to survive. It can be a bumblebee carrying the pollen from one plant to a different plant to create a third plant. A seed pod sticks to a migrating animal’s fur and travels many miles before it’s sloughed off in a completely different climate – and then adapts to the new climate however it can.

For example, the climate up in alpines regions is very different than your front yard. A spruce tree can survive in both climates but the one that grows up high in the mountains experiences a much harsher climate than the one grown in the corner of the garden bed. The blazing sun, cold, desiccating winds and the lack of water will force the alpine spruce tree to grow slower, maybe have shorter needles and, more than likely, not grow as tall.

Spring buds on a Picea glauca 'Little Gem'

About New Plants from Seedlings

Some new plants come from seed, which is a painstaking process. For example, out of 50,000 seedlings a grower may plant, there may be only one or two that are unique enough to keep. That is, not all seeds grow into the plant they are supposed to be - its genetic makeup can be very different than the parent and it is that difference that could create a new plant variety.

There are 'seedling nurseries' that do exactly that, produce seedlings for other nurseries to grow and sell. It is then that they will find an odd-growing plant, from chance, in the seedling bed. The unusual seedling is watched over, and made sure that the growth is even and predictable, the color is good and hardiness tested before being propagated again and again to make sure that it does what its supposed to do before being propagated for commercial sale.

Controlled pollination is when the grower literately does the pollinating between the plants. Bees do the pollinating for us for the most part, but in a controlled environment it is the avid grower that will take over the role in hopes for a new plant variety.

About mutations from witches brooms or sports

Some plants mutate naturally. The gnarly, irregular branch on a tree is called a mutation, or witch’s broom, and is mostly found by spending long hours in mountain forests looking up at branches of trees with binoculars - and hopefully, someone would be game to climb up for a closer look to verify the find. After locating a mutated branch, they will mark the spot and return in the winter when the tree is dormant to collect the sample – a risky and dangerous job… but then, there are those collectors who simply shoot the desired branch right off the tree!

‘Sports’ is another term for a genetic mutation where a shoot on a shrub or tree is different that it should be. A good example is a yellow or white-tipped branch that appears on an otherwise green foliage tree. That odd branch could lead to a new plant.

The samples are brought home to root - and not all are successful. Some are grafted onto other stock (grown onto another plant’s trunk and root system) because they root too slowly on their own. These experiments sometimes produce an even more peculiar looking plant that just won't do or, produce an even better, disease resistant plant that can be used in a different climate for example. Other cuttings react to the climate and care changes with rapid growth or even maintain it’s juvenile foliage throughout adulthood producing a different, new plant.

About cultivariants

To keep it simple, a cultivariant means it’s a new plant that has been propagated by cuttings or grafts.

For example, there are conifers where the foliage at the top of the tree differs than at the foliage at the base of the tree. A cutting from the top of the tree will grow to be a faster growing, upright variety than one taken from the base of the tree - where the cutting may be a bushier, possibly slower growing, prostrate plant. This new plant is called a cultivar.

Can these trees be indoors?

Unfortunately, most dwarf and miniature conifers are outdoor trees. They like their roots to stay cool.

Indoor plants are tropical plants that want to be 60° F or above all year 'round. We recommend the boxwood trees for indoors. They are very tolerant of the indoor heat during the winter months and are fairly low maintenance anf forgiving. See our Broadleaf page for further details on the boxwoods.

Also, keep this 60° F rule in mind when choosing your miniature bedding plants. It's best to visit a nursery or garden center that carries indoor plants and choose from their selection. Two Green Thumbs is working on indoor miniature plant lists, and obtaining miniature plants for sale for the future.

MINI HOLIDAY TREES... can be brought indoors for a two or three days at a time in cold climates. Get the plant used to the change in temperature first by moving it to a cold room inside the house, or to the garage, three or four days before bringing it inside the house. This way it will adjust slowly and won't be shocked by the dramatic change of its environment. Reverse the process when bringing it back outside. Keep it moist when it is inside and don't let it dry out completely. Extend your decor by making two Christmas pots and you can stage them both accordingly - one can be staged outside while the other is inside.

BEWARE of the mini Christmas trees from the big-box stores during the holiday season. More than likely, they have already been stressed out by the temperature changes during shipment and the warehouse. And, more than likely, when you bought it, you we buying it from an inside display - heaven knows how long it's been in inside temperatures! While they are cute and sweet, most of the ones sold for this purpose aren't true dwarfs or miniatures and if they do survive beyond the holiday season, they will be faster growing than we recommend. If you can't resist and/or have already bought one - it may need some pampering after being stressed-out for so long - put it outside next to the house where it is a little warmer than average, leave it out and give it water regularly. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and take that foil wrapping off too!

How do I know what zone I'm in?

We use a “Plant hardiness zone map” to determine what grows where. For example, a plant that grows in a Florida climate, zone 10, won’t survive in a Minnesota climate, zone 4, because the difference in winter temperatures. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has standardized the zones for us.

Here's a link to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's zone map:

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/hrdzon3.html

This zone chart is based on minimum winter temperatures only.

See the link to the left for a more detailed zone map

A sudden snow storm in Seattle doesn't usually last for more than a day. For colder climates, choose the trees and shrubs that will work for your area - right plant, right place!
Oh, and don't brush the snow off - it'll act as an insulation when the temperatures drop even further and you may break the wee branches off by accident too.

Are your plants hardy?

We've put the hardiness temperatures with the individual tree listings for your convenience.

For really cold climates, keep in mind that if your miniature garden is in a pot, the plants will be more exposed to the freezing temperatures than if it was planted in the ground. You can move the pot closer to the house or under cover, like a car porch - which will warm it up a few degrees. You can also bury the pot right in the earth to let Ma-Nature insulate it too - just don't cover up the plants with soil.

Snow acts like an insulator too. Try to resist the urge to brush it off if you know colder weather is coming.

What's the difference between bonsai and miniature gardening?

Our trees can be bonsai'd - they just grow slow enough that we don't have to.

Bonsai is the art of growing an miniature tree or shrub. With bonsai, the roots of the plant are pruned to fit in a shallow dish, and the branches are constantly pruned and shaped into a pre-desired form or shape (like a wind-swept look for example). Because of the lack of root based and soil, the plant needs constant care with feeding and watering. The young shoots and branches need to be either trained or pruned - it really is an art.

This is why people have such a hard time with it. We've heard more stories about someone's beloved bonsai tree that they've had for 25 years dying because they went on vacation. They left it in someone else's care only to have it perish because the 'sitter' lost track of the watering.

Our trees are just slow growing enough that we can put them in a miniature garden setting and they will stay small for quite some time - some grow faster than others and some can be pruned to keep their diminutive shape a little longer. Some grow less than one foot in 15 years. Isn't that fun?

I don't live in the States, where can I find miniature gardening plants?

For the miniature and dwarf trees and shrubs: Ask you local nursery or garden center to order them. Miniature gardening, fairy gardening or railroad gardening has become too popular for these businesses to ignore these wonderful ideas! They should also get the proper ones for your climate too.

Or, look around a people's gardens for small plants that you may be able to find for yourself. Look for your neighborhood gardener and ask her or him for any ideas on small and slow-growing plants for your area. In my experience, gardeners love to share their plant knowledge with anyone that will listen...

For "Bedding Plants": Check through the ground cover section in your local nursery and see if there is anything that will mimic a small shrub, miniature bedding plant or any small-leaved foliage that might act like a miniature low-growing bedding plant in a miniature setting. Young plants or seedlings may just look like small trees - and you can swap them out when they get too big. Don't be afraid to experiment with these inexpensive plants - they are easy to move, divide and share. It's supposed to be fun - it's your own world after all.

Also, keep in mind the miniature garden accessory or patio that will help in shrinking the scene down to a miniature level. With a little birdbath among a couple of ground covers, the eye/brain will register that as a miniature garden scene. Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center can help with any accessories you may need. Be sure to peruse our store for more ideas!

What's half-inch scale? Quarter-inch scale?

"Scale" means what size is represented in proportion to the size of the original.

- One inch scale means that one inch in miniature is equal to 1 foot in real life; a 6 foot tall person in the one inch scale would be 6 inches.

- Half inch scale, one half inch is equal to one foot; a 6 foot tall person would measure 3 inches.

- Quarter inch scale, one quarter inch equals 1 foot; a 6 foot tall person would be 1 1/2 inches.

The miniature industry and the railroad garden industry have created a number of scales in order to regulate the size. Without these scales in place, there would be no coherency between products or manufacturers and it would be a difficult hobby to share. (Although, some of the train manufacturers have apparently made their own scale.)

Use the chart below for reference when you’re out shopping/hunting for different accessories for your miniature garden. You can be as strict to scale as you like – or just “eyeball it” and see what works for growing your own world.

- 1/12 Scale is 1 inch scale, where 1 inch = 1 foot.

- 1/24 Scale is 1/2 inch scale where ½ inch = 1 foot - this is close to the 'G' Scale in the garden railway hobby world which is 1/20 scale.

- 1/48 Scale is 1/4 inch scale, where 1/4 = 1 foot - 'O' Scale in the railroad hobby world.

- 1/144 Scale is 1/12 inch, where 1/12 = 1 foot - approximately 'N' Scale in the railroad hobby world or a dollhouse for your dollhouse scale!

Confused yet?

If math isn't your strong point, cut out a paper figure that's 6" tall for the 1 inch scale or 3" tall for the 1/2 inch scale and carry this little cutout with you when shopping for miniature garden accessories. You can hold up the figure against whatever it is your looking at and get a good idea if it will work or not. If you have any questions about the size or scale of our products, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Do you teach classes?

- House/club parties: Both private and group classes are available. It can be a seminar format, a demonstration or a hands-on workshop - or a combination thereof.

- If you build it , they will come: Want some help to plant up a miniature garden scene right in your garden bed? We'll send Janit to work with you and show you the tips and tricks while building a little miniature/fairy world of your very own. Hourly rate applies and she'll bring the supplies.

- Join our mailing list to keep up to date on any new developments in this area.

Do you believe in fairys or little people?

Janit: I was skeptical until a wonderful woman named Gay, showed me a picture of one. Gay has a fresh cut flower business on Orcas Island here in Washington state. She was taking pictures of her beautiful dahlias and, when the photo was developed, there he was! You could see the face and the pointy ears coming out of one of the flowers. Really! I should have asked her for a copy and I will when I see her next.

There is a charming website by Carla Nelson, www.fairygoodthymes.com. Carla's website offers insight and information on herb and fairy gardening and she is "a 'quasi-expert' on all things faerie". She has written several books including "Beyond Betwixt Between" about fairies, herbs and wildflowers in the Americas. Her site also has good information on how to put your own fairy garden together.

Image from Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Fairy Poems"

How long has this hobby of miniature gardening been around?

When looking at the history of miniature gardening, we have to include bonsai. The first reference of bonsai they we've found was in China was during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). But there is a Chinese legend that an emperor recreated his entire empire in miniature so he could see it from his palace window and that was during the Han Dynasty of 206 BC to 220 AD. He transformed his entire courtyard into hills, valleys, rivers, lakes and trees - and then proceeded to claim the art form as his own. No one else was allowed to possess a miniature landscape as it was seen to be a threat to his empire - and punishable by death!

When researching from our point of view here in the States, the earliest book that we've found on miniature gardening was in 1875. There was a spike in the hobby around the 1950s and 60s. Many people have told me that their grandmother made them all the time. Elvin McDonald, a long-time editor of home and garden magazine, wrote a couple of books on miniature plants too - among others too, around that same time.

Railroad gardening has been with us since the full-sized railroads themselves, around 1860. Models of the trains were built to entice and sell the real ones to the public and they had to be made to work outdoors with fully functioning railways and a landscape for it to go through.

At Two Green Thumbs we've just made it easy to access everything you need to miniature garden. With the new miniature and dwarf trees and shrubs available these days, miniature gardening has become a lot more accessible. Some of the tricks we have developed on our own, like our custom patios (instructions will be published soon!) and staking the miniature accessories to hold their place in the garden bed. But, to be honest, it's an old hobby and no one should really take credit for the idea - except the Chinese people of the Han Dynasty!

How do you make your patios?

We are working on instructions for a custom patio kit and hoping they will be ready by the end of this year.

Stay tuned or, better yet, join our mailing list for updates and notices!

Do you have a catalog?

We are working on this idea too. We appreciate the convenience of the Internet but there's nothing like flipping the pages of your favorite catalog and dreaming about the possibilities. Please stay tuned for more updates on this topic, and more, by joining our mailing list.

I bought the wrong size accessory by mistake!

Give us a call or drop us an email. We are reasonable people who have made a mistake, or two, before. Most of our accessories are small enough to stick in an envelope (wrapped in a little bubble wrap!) and mail first class. We'll exchange it for the correct size and mail it back to you. Get in touch, we can work out the details and we can even tell you how many stamps to use! Within reason, the return shipping will be ours...

My emails aren't getting to you!?!?!

That means our mailbox in cyber-space is full and we haven't emptied it recently! Please give us a call at 206-352-0494 - you will be rewarded for your effort.

Or check back again soon - this only lasts for a day or two at most.

I had a special order and I haven't heard from you!?!

We do sincerely apologize for the delay, we do have a back order list and sometimes, the littlest thing takes the longest time to get from our suppliers. Please give us a nudge by phone, 206-352-0494 or email to make sure your on "the list" - and please don't be shy about it too - we love to hear from our customers in any regard!

Janit's favorite gnome - the all knowing gnome!

I found an error in your information!

All our research is done in house from various sources and there may be something that we've missed or misjudged. We've searched libraries and the Internet for any information regarding the miniature plants that we sell, but our main resource is from what we've learned over the years. And what we've learned over the years is from our perspective here, in Seattle, which is different, of course, than Maryland or Florida.

We're not perfect, so please let us know if there is an error in our data. The gravity of the error will be directly proportional to your reward for finding it!

And your help is welcomed and appreciated.

Janit Calvo, Owner. Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center (206) 352-0494 info@TwoGreenThumbs.com
Copyright©2004-2006, Two Green Thumbs. The contents of this site, including all images and text, may not be reproduced in any form.
Site design, photography, writing & website produced by Janit. Please report any missing links or errors to the above email address. Our mailing address is: 5942 45th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98136. Thank You!