ART OF THE MINIATURE TABLE GARDEN

Evening Star, Issue 22685, 26 June 1937, Page 23

ART OF THE MINIATURE TABLE GARDEN

Miniature table gardens are not a new idea in tnemseives, but tney ore capable of such infinite variety and auaptation of tue original idea that they can be said to never grow old. The inclusion of too many features will ruin their artistic ment, while keeping them continuously in a darkened and overneated room is fatal t« success (says the Auckland ‘ Herald ’). - it is rather a pity that so many of the miniature gardens seen at Hewer shows are obviously just made on purpose for the show and in a few days’ time the components, having no root, will have died. The whole art of miniature garden-making is to use only living specimens which may be tiny, but are, nevertheless, living plants and will continue so for a long time. Any shallow bowl or dish will do but whatever is chosen the first essential is a layer of broken crocks over which is placed a handful of charcoal. Next some friable soil, preferably sterilised, is spread over and well firmed, and the garden is all ready for the making. The choice of designs is endless, and offers considerable scope for artistic ability. As an example, a rectangular dish can have a lawn of moss with banks of miniature shrubs and ferns with steps leading down at one end. A perfect model of a formal garden can be made with a pool of mirror glass (protected underneath by waterproof silk), with paving made from small thin pieces of stone filed to shape, and plants round the edge of the bowl. A miniature rock garden can be laid out with paths of pressed sand wandering among mossy fragments of stone, with tiny moss and ferns in the crevices which can be 'replaced when they grow' too large. The things to avoid are flatness, and a too balanced effect. Many alpine veronias will simulate cypress trees and rooted portions of the erect growing thymes can be trhnTned to most tree-like shapes, and, for the rest, small rosettes of supervivum, saxifrage and so Sums will suffice. Cacti gardens made from glittering sand, barren rocks and small succulents can make very quaint and interesting decorations.