Terrariums and Dish Gardens Overview

Study Notes

Invented by Nathaniel Ward in 1827, a London doctor, who discovered a way to keep plants alive in the polluted air of the city.
Initially called "fern cases" then "Wardian cases".
Used to transport tropical plants to protect them during sea voyages.
Materials for terrariums include: drainage material, activated charcoal, sphagnum moss, figurines, sticks, and potting soil.
Steps for preparing a terrarium:
- Place a layer of small gravel at the bottom.
- Sprinkle activated charcoal on top.
- Fill the terrarium with good draining potting soil.
- Install plants, leaving room for growth.
- Don't overwater the plants.

Similar to terrariums but often use different types of plants.
Containers for dish gardens include: bowls, cans, cartons, jars, logs, soup mugs, troughs, and other decorative items.
Popular dish garden plants include: African violets, asparagus ferns, club moss, cobra lilies, Irish moss, jade plants, sundew, and Swedish ivy.

A practice as old as gardening itself.
Gaining popularity in urban areas with limited space.
Allows for creativity and self-expression.
Types of containers include: ceramic, plastic, stone, terracotta, and timber.
Different uses include: backgrounds, screens, decorations, hanging baskets, vertical walls, and window boxes.

People are increasingly using interesting and unexpected containers for gardening.
Examples: barrels, baskets, boots/shoes, buckets, growing bags, trays, tires, and wooden tubs.

An ancient art of organizing flowers and foliage according to design principles.
Often used in: lounges, restaurants, receptions, banquets, lobbies, VIP rooms, and suites.

Balance is achieved when the flower size and container complement each other.
Focal point is used to draw attention to specific areas, created by using unusual flowers, grouping flowers of one color, or using a larger flower.
Proportion refers to the relative sizes of flowers and containers, aiming for balance and aesthetics.
Scale considers the size of the flowers, placement, and the overall size of the arrangement in relation to the surrounding area.
Accent is a point of interest to highlight the design.
Repetition is used to emphasize flowers and colors by repeating certain materials or colors.
Rhythm creates continuity amongst shapes, colors, and textures, giving a sense of motion.
Harmony is created when all elements come together to create a cohesive and unified look.
Unity is achieved when the arrangement flows together seamlessly, avoiding segmentation.

Line flowers create the framework of the arrangement (e.g., delphinium, gladiolus, snapdragons).
Massing flowers fill in the design and enhance the focal point (e.g., asters, carnations, chrysanthemums, roses).
Form flowers add unique shapes and forms (e.g., orchids, birds of paradise, protea).
Filler flowers fill empty spaces (e.g., asparagus fern, baby's breath, huckleberry, heather, statice, palm).

Mechanics used to keep flowers in place: floral foam, chicken wire, pin holders, adhesive tape, setting clay, glue, pebbles/marbles.
Equipment to create a good arrangement: buckets, florist scissors, misters, floral tape, wire, knives.
Containers: vases, jugs, baskets, bowls, trays, wreath frames, candle cups, miscellaneous objects.
Bases: wood, stone, oriental, tree section, table mats.
Accessories: non-plant materials added for decoration (bronze lamps, hats, wooden shapes, beads, candles, carved objects, shells).

Evergreen and deciduous species.
Common plants: elm trees, fig tree (Ficus Bonsai), Fuchsia Bonsai, Jade Bonsai (Crassula), maple, olive Bonsai (Olea europaea), pine, pomegranate, and spruce.