Mini Gardens: Small Garden Happiness

Most people long for a bit of green in their homes. The houseplants in the office and the greenery seen when looking up from the desk and out the window aren't enough. Even those who work outdoors and encounter plenty of nature still don't want to be without plant companions in their homes. That's where the mini garden comes in.

Here, "mini" truly means very small. If you have a front yard or a smaller garden, you still have a garden with corresponding design possibilities. You can fit a shrub or two, a small conifer, and some flowers. There's even room for a vegetable plant.

The mini garden caters to the plant lover with a green thumb but no outdoor space, allowing them to create their own small garden world. The beauty of it is that it works just as well indoors as it does outside. It simply requires a little space and some imagination. Whether in the living room or bathroom, on the balcony or terrace, a mini garden is always an option. You just need containers and the right plants. Of course, you'll want to consider the light conditions and choose your green residents so they get the right amount of sun or shade.

The fundamental idea behind a mini garden is quite simple: if there isn't enough space in length and width, then utilize height. This vertical system is already well-established in North America, and it's still developing here in Germany. The simplest tools for this are plant containers stacked one above the other. They are available for standing, but also for wall mounting and even for corners. You can choose from many variations; some even include a small irrigation system. You fill them with various plants and add a few appealing decorative pieces. This immediately creates a completely different look than a single houseplant.

As soon as a bit more space is available, you can expand the base. Opt for a drawer system that you assemble yourself from various boxes. You can use flower boxes or let your creativity run wild. The main thing is to create a structure with projections and different levels, not just a flat wall.

Now, it's time to fill the whole thing with plants and decor. Always remember: almost everything that comes in large sizes can also be grown in miniature. Instead of choosing huge blooms, go for charming small flowers; instead of large tomatoes, grow cherry tomatoes; instead of planting a tree, opt for a bonsai. The result is creative and delightful! Plus, it saves you from all the kneeling and bending often required in a traditional garden.

Now, there's yet another method, perfect for those with a keen eye for detail. This involves taking a planting bowl, a wooden box, or something entirely different, and designing your own tiny garden world within it. The key here is to consciously avoid growing just a single plant. Instead, you place several small plants inside and—very important!—add matching miniature figures. Childhood dollhouse furniture or tiny trellises can also complete the scene.

If you then choose a theme, you've created the perfect mini garden. For example, it could be a miniature cottage garden, a rock garden, or a Japanese garden. Even a marine or pond landscape is possible. For these, select ferns, grasses, and marsh plants, and add corals, seashells, or small fish figurines. How about using a small glass plate to represent water?

Do you have a small spot behind your house that's all your own? Or a similar space you always thought was too small to design? If you can just place a small bench there, you've already created the foundation for a mini garden! Design a part of it as a little green world with colorful additions, and your personal sanctuary is secured.