Remember that miniature garden I created for my demo at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show this past February? Well, it’s been three months now, and let me tell you – it’s growing in beautifully! That little garden I started back then has really come into its own for Mother’s Day. So, I dolled-it-up with tiny flowers, added a charming white bench with pink and blue cushions, and added a couple of more garden miniatures and voila! A Mother’s Day miniature garden.
See the full demonstration video here (<~ link will take you to my YouTube channel, also posted below.)
See a shorter one here (<~ link opens up another page on this blog.)
The whites and pinks of the mini accessories look just great against the silver plants and purple flowers. The whole scene looks even more lovely now that it’s had time to grow in and the plants are flowering. I’m not sure why the “matchy-matchy” of the pretty blue pot does it for me – but the combination just charms me.
I’ve been creating these little gardens for years now, and they make the PERFECT Mother’s Day gift. Unlike cut flowers that last a week (if you’re lucky!), these miniature landscapes can thrive for years with minimal care. How’s that for a gift that keeps on giving?
Now, the secret to a successful miniature garden is choosing the right plants. For this garden, listed left to right, I used:
Chocolate Chip Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’) – those rich leaves and purple flower spikes add so much character!
This one travels! Trim the runners when you see them to keep it in check. Deadhead the spent flowers so you can see the great foliage again. “Shovel prune” judiciously if it’s planted in ground.
Left-most plant:
Primo Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Primo’) – this little tree provides the perfect height and structure with its feathery foliage
Shrub behind the birdbath:
Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’) – love this one for its silvery-blue color and naturally compact form
At the base of the birdbath:
White Thyme (Thymus praecox ‘Alba’) – creates a soft, fragrant carpet with tiny white blooms
Mom’s Day Tips for the New Miniature Gardener:
Remember the golden garden rule: “Right plant in the right place.” This applies to miniature gardens too! These plants all play well together, have the same light and water requirements, and stay naturally small or can be trimmed to stay small, like the ground cover Bugleweed and the Thyme, in this example.
It’s worth investing in a nice container since these gardens can last for years before needing to be repotted. For this miniature garden, I chose a lovely blue pot to match the silver of the Blue Star Juniper. The pink patio is permanent (but won’t stick to the pot,) and installed with our Mini Patio Mix Kit.
And here’s a key tip – I planted it with only about 1/2″ to 1″ (1-2cm) between the soil level and the top edge of the pot. I see a LOT of people planting their containers deep inside the pot, which can be a fatal mistake. The plants will bake themselves to death in the sun because air can’t circulate to keep the plants cool, plus you can’t see and enjoy the scene from different angles.
Mini Garden Gifts are a Hit with Mom
Whether your mom is an experienced gardener or just appreciates cute things (and what mom doesn’t?), a miniature garden gives her a little magical world to enjoy every day. Now that’s a Mother’s Day gift with staying power!
Ready to create your own Mother’s Day miniature garden? You’ll find all the plants, parts, patio materials, and accessories you need at my online store, Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center. We have everything to help you create that perfect mini garden gift!
And don’t forget to sign up for my Mini Garden Gazette! It’s a one-of-a-kind newsletter that goes out almost every Friday, packed with tips, insights, inspiration and more. Plus, our subscribers get first dibs on new items and special discounts too. It’s the best way to stay updated in the world of miniature gardening!
