Luring the Garden Fairy

Fairies are there in your garden, whether you see them or not. Every garden, it matters not large or small, has them. And we all know fairies are a bit tricky and not to be altogether trusted, so it pays to be smart when thinking about luring more to the garden. But the more fairies, the better the garden, so we need to work at attracting them and keeping them happy. Besides, you just never know what might pop up!

Every child is born knowing fairies are happiest in gardens where they are welcomed each spring and entertained during the summer with a few small treats and surprises. So this spring, why not really set out the welcome mat by making a special tiny fairy garden.

First you need to select a suitably pleasant spot in partial shade. Dappled light all day will do but a bit of morning sunshine to help clear away the dew followed by cool afternoon shade and perhaps a touch of gentle summer breeze is best. Nothing too meditative, though, remember these are fairies! A location near a fountain or a bit of moving water is perfect, but a spot near the hose will do in a pinch. If possible, the fairy garden should be near some herbs or flowers, the more fragrant or colorful the better!

Now you need to find a suitable container. You can make your fairy garden out of a worn basket or a small wooden crate or any comfortably old household thing - even an old enamel or plastic dishpan. Ours is made from the bed of a broken and long lost child's wheelbarrow that we found in the woods. Whatever you use should be big enough to make a fairy happy, but small enough to hold a bit of magic.

If you are using a basket or the like, line it with a bit of plastic to protect it from the constant soil moisture and help to hold the soil in. Make one or two drainage holes in the bottom of your container and then fill it with good rich potting soil. Fill it quite full because the soil will settle.

Now is the time to begin collecting plants and treasures for your fairy garden. Children are particularly good at this, so find one to help you if you can. Odd little bits and pieces appeal to fairies, so don't worry about being too perfect. In fact, fairies are quite unpredictable in many ways, with one exception: as Gay Klok of Tasmania reminded me, I remind you to always add a bit of mirror. That is very important. Then, simply add special things you think the fairies in your garden will like.

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