Bottle gardening can be taken up in
many different shapes and sizes and one can even go for custom made glass
containers of the size and shape of choice. But containers of the shape of a
normal bottle with narrow neck are the most effective for bottle gardens as it
helps in proper maintenance of humidity and also for the appearance when the
garden gets established.
The first step is to clean the container
thoroughly by using water and detergent. Rich compost is avoided, as
the plants are chosen for slow growth and dwarf habit. The compost, which is
moistened enough but not wet, is put into bottle by means of a paper funnel,
preventing the compost from spilling on the sides of the bottle by adhering to
the wet surface. It will be beneficial if a layer of crushed charcoal or small
sized gravel is put before running in the compost. This layer of charcoal or
gravel acts as water reservoir and replenishes the compost or soil with water
as and when needed. Small amount of water can be added by the aid of a straw
fitted with funnel or running down the water carefully along the inner surface
of the bottle.
Coming to planting in the bottle gardens, the plants should
have previously grown in small pots so that they have a compact ball of roots
with adhering compost. A thin rod or stick be taken to make holes of suitable
sizes on the compost layer and the plants are dropped in to these holes, after
carefully pressing through the bottle neck.
To increase the aesthetic appearance of a bottle garden,
natural things of beauty such as colored and suitably shaped stones or pieces
of bark can be placed in the bottle garden. Care must be taken to sterilize
such things before introduction as these may carry pests and your bottle garden
may get destroyed. The bottle garden rarely needs watering, but maintenance in
terms of removal of accumulated dead leaf and shoots and occasional pruning are
necessary for a healthy bottle garden. Direct sunlight causes heavy growth and
may even raise the temperature inside the bottle and hence extreme temperatures
be avoided.
Few of the terrarium plants for sale which can be taken up for bottle garden are Pilea,
Selaginella, Peperomoia, Maranta etc.You can experiment a lot, keeping in
strict adherence to the rule that the plants grow slow and have a dwarf habit.
If you have the creativity, time and resources, you can imagine
fairy garden ideas and develop a
beautiful and unique fairy garden plants,
which can be named after yourself. If you don't have such patience, time,
energy, creativity or resources, but want to pride yourself with one, there are
many landscaping company in Dubai around
that can offer you a fantastic range!