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5 easy ways to create a fairy garden

Turn you backyard into a wonderland.
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Fairy gardens provide a magical and imaginative world for children to explore. 

WATCH: How to make a watering can fairy garden

They can create their own miniature landscapes, design tiny furniture, and imagine the presence of fairies and other magical creatures. This allows them to exercise their creativity and storytelling skills.

Fairy garden under a tree
(Credit: Photography Phil Aynsley)

If you’ve been thinking about getting a fairy garden for your children to play with, then this is your sign. The best part is you don’t need much space. 

Here are some ideas for creating a wonderful space for your kids to play in a magical garden of fairies, toadstools and more.

Fairy garden ideas

1. How to make a barrel fairy garden

Fairy garden in a half barrel
Get crafty with faux moss, flowers and foliage, here glued to the top of the fairy house – a bird feeder! (Credit: Photography Chris L Jones)

Wooden half-barrel planters make wonderful fairy realms. Fill with broken-up polystyrene, then pour in builder’s sand. Compact the top to create a level base (you can also cut a circle of marine ply to fit). Arrange items from fairy garden kits and anything else you are using. Visit the hardware store for decorative pebbles and craft timber pieces you can paint and add to your scenes.

Wooden half-barrel planters make wonderful fairy realms. Here’s how to layout your barrel fairy garden.

  • Fill with broken-up polystyrene, then pour in builder’s sand. Compact the top to create a level base (you can also cut a circle of marine ply to fit). 
  • Arrange items from fairy garden kits and anything else you are using. 
  • Visit the hardware store for decorative pebbles and craft timber pieces you can paint and add to your scenes.
  • Turn terracotta pots and saucers into terrific toadstools for fairy garden seating. Apply a primer/sealer/undercoat, then spray-paint a few coats of gloss white, leaving to dry after each coat. 
  • Put timber discs, metal washers with the hole taped and sticky dots on saucers and spray-paint red. Apply Liquid Nails to pot bases and attach saucers.
Toadstools made from terracotta pots
Make toadstools in all sizes using terracotta pots and saucers from the nursery. Easy!
Painted birdhouses in a tree
Get a plywood birdhouse kit and paint away. Easy! (Credit: Photography Chris L Jones)
Woven birdhouses
Woven birdhouses make great fairy lodgings – nestle in a tree, then add faux foliage and figurines. (Credit: Photography Chris L Jones)

2. Watering can fairy home

water can fairy garden

Winged fairies, squirrels, bunnies and singing bluebirds call this rustic watering can and surrounding garden their home. Add plants on each side of the pathway so the journey from the welcome sign to the front door is an absolute joy.

Get the supply list and instructions.

3. Layered fairy garden using terracotta pots

layered pot garden

Have a little one who would love a fairy garden? This project shows you how to transform broken terracotta pots into a whimsical fairy garden. 

With a touch of creativity and a sprinkle of imagination, you can design a miniature landscape that will delight children and adults alike.

You’ll need broken or intact terracotta pots, a craft drill or file, potting mix, small pebbles, charming garden ornaments, and an assortment of plants with small leaves or bonsai trees. The possibilities are endless when choosing plants, so feel free to select various colours and textures to bring your fairy garden to life.

Get the full project. 

4. Wheelbarrow fairy garden

wheelbarrow fairy garden

The ideal activity for weekends, after school or during the holidays, this fun-filled project is sure to fire up your kids’ imagination, get them outdoors and teach them how to look after their own garden. Use any large pot or a found item you love– an old wheelbarrow. You’re only limited by your creativity!

Get the full project sheet.

5. Charlie and Juliet’s fairy garden for kids

fairy garden

This adorable garden by Charlie and Juliet has been hidden in existing trees, complete with doors, bridges, and paths to connect – because even fairy families need to be connected. 42 piece fairy garden accessories outdoor, $35

Get the project details here.

Shop fairy garden kits and accessories

42 piece fairy garden accessories outdoor, $35

amazong fairy garden

Pink fairy garden kit, $49.95, Etsy

pink fairy garden

Fairy Garden Accessories – Set of 4 People Mushrooms, $9.99, Etsy

msuhroom fairy people

Teapot fairy house with solar-powered lights, 49.95, Etsy

teapot fairy house

Enchanted garden fairy door, $54.95, Etsy

fairy door

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