A Bowl Full of Garden

These are some of the small gardens we made as gifts for friends. Making these was inspired by the terrarium Maria made, and the birthday gardens. {I hope it's not in poor taste to admit that we found these lovely ceramic bowls very affordably priced. It's creative and satisfying to find interesting dishes, bowls, and planters, and I think repurposing gives gifts a thoughtful touch, too.} With paper whites from a local nursery, and more mini-mushrooms from my crafted stash, we made enough gardens for a dozen friends!

Have you ever brought home paper white bulbs? Most nurseries, some stores, even Trader Joes, sell them starting in November. The bulbs grow long green stems, and by late December will burst open into fragrant, white blossoms, much like tiny daffodils! They do not like to get cold, so keep them indoors, if you are in chilly area. In a warm room, with regular water, in a sunny window, paper whites can grow with little or no soil... even a glass container with stones will support the bulb and allow you to have beautiful flowers blooming in winter. If you haven't tried this, or would like to create a small indoor garden for the holidays, I think you will enjoy putting one of these together... they are simple, and generous.