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Terrariums-Part 2: Historical Perspective and Modern Day

© Diana Pederson

Historical Perspective

When you make a terrarium you are practicing a craft that dates back to the ancient Greeks. Researchers say that the Greeks created the first terrariums around 2500 years ago. Modern day terrariums evolved from the work of Dr. Ward in London England. Dr. Ward was studying butterflies and had buried a chrysalis in the soil of an enclosed container so he could observe the hatching process. During the waiting period he noticed a fern and grass start to grow. Out of curiosity, he allowed this container to remain sealed for 4 years. Water did not need to be replaced since it recycled within the container.

Ward experimented with other plants and wrote On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases in 1842. This study led to the development of Wardian Cases which are the ancestors of today's terrariums. These cases were popular for use both in homes and as a way for botanists to send collected plants from their explorations back to their homeland.

In the United States, housewives in New England planted Partridge berry in hand-blown glass bowls. These were popular household items. I can remember my mother making terrariums in brandy sniffers from mosses and lichens collected in the northern woods during our annual vacations. I'll always remember spying British Soldiers (page down and look at picture under Lichen entry) with their bright red tops on partially decayed, fallen logs.

Modern Terrariums

A terrarium is a transparent glass or plastic container with a closed top used for growing plants. Today we have expanded the definition to include open containers. These are quite popular as gift items. These two sites show very decorative modern terrariums. These are rather costly. However, many other containers can be adapted for the purpose.

Last week's article discussed soda bottle terrariums. Aquariums (of various sizes and shapes) and large bottles may be used. Look around your house. Do you find a decorative glass container which could be enclosed for use as a closed terrarium?

Next week, we'll begin talking about soil and plants which can be used in either open or closed terrariums. Until then, good indoor gardening to you!

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