12 Fabulous Fairy Gardens that Don't Need Figurines
Whether you're just a fan of tiny woodland accessories or you're looking for a garden project to do with kids, creating a fairy garden is a good bet for you. Many miniature gardeners use resin figures and structures they find at the garden store, but there are many ways to make a charming fairy garden without relying on solely store-bought items. These are just a few ways you can create the magical fairy garden design you've always wanted.
1. Natural Nooks and Crannies
If you've got a gnarled old tree, it's pretty much essential that it be fitted for a fairy door. At the end of a meandering staircase of moss and stone is this gorgeous creation by artist Sally J. Smith of Green Spirit Arts. Composed of just the sort of materials woodland weefolk would most like to use; bits of wood, sticks, and bark are magically transformed into a true work of art. Just look at that diamond-pane window!
Buy It: Mini Fairy Garden Wooden Door, $8.61, Amazon
2. Fairy Lights
They don't call them "fairy lights" for nothing. Not only is this garden by Little Tudor House on the Prairie beyond charming in and of itself, it features DIY solar twinkly lights to keep the party going long after dark. After all, uplighting is an intrinsic part of good landscape design. If you don't want to DIY, try these Solar String Lights, $16.99, Amazon.
3. Naturally Occurring Architecture
Yes! Those are actual mushrooms! Real pixies would be sure to seize the opportunity to use gorgeous tree fungus as a stoop and awnings for a sassy red door. And they would definitely plant up a tiny pot with flowers because curb appeal matters. This little fairy moment is by Nichola Battilana of Pixie Hill.
4. Fairies: Masters of Upcycling
If you leave an adorable old suitcase in the yard, don't be surprised when the pixies set up camp (or a full-tilt cottage and manicured gardens). This project from Empress of Dirt redefines container gardening in the most magical way.
Buy It: Fairy Garden House, $21.97, Amazon
5. Cottage Fairy Garden
This darling fairy garden from Olive and Love demonstrates how truly easy it is to have a no-fuss, magical little corner in your yard. A store-bought ceramic house and a meandering stepping-stone pathway nestled amongst the flowers is like a scene straight out of a storybook.
6. Seasonal Fairy Gardens
Your whole garden changes with the seasons, so why shouldn't your miniature ones do the same? This fairy garden from Farm and Foundry takes full advantage, seasonally changing up not only its plant materials and colors but also its decorations (like this party decor for the autumn solstice, featuring real Chinese lantern pods strung across the pathway).
7. Teacup Gardening
We can all agree that fairy gardens are supposed to be diminutive, but these charming teacup towns from artist Nichola Battilana of Pixie Hill take the tiny cake. What's more adorable than a pixie village that fits in the palm of your hand? Use this Miniature Fairy Garden kit, $6.99, Amazon, to get started.
8. Natural Fairy Garden
The breathtaking work of Sally J. Smith of Green Spirit Arts is the absolute epitome of woodland fairy architecture. Made from mostly natural elements, and maybe a pinch of magic, her fairy garden designs seem to spring from the very earth itself. In her forthcoming book, Fairy Houses: How to Create Whimsical Homes for Fairy Folk, you can learn just how to make these gorgeous dwellings for your own garden.
9. DIY Tiny Bunting
Everything feels a little more festive with bunting. This simple fairy garden DIY by The Magic Onions features an easy-to-care-for succulent garden in a terra-cotta pot with adorable handmade twig furniture parked beneath some of the most darling bunting we've ever seen.
10. Patio Fairy Gardening
If you don't have a patch of garden space to spare, this container fairy garden from The Burgh Baby is the perfect solution. A lovely old galvanized washtub serves as the base for a birdhouse-turned-fairy home (check out that penny roof) and its surrounding lush, flower-filled garden. There's even a fairy clothesline dotted with dainty laundry, like this Woodland Fairy Garden Clothesline, $11.70, Amazon.
Related: Plant Up a Wheelbarrow Fairy Garden
11. Upcycled Mailbox Fairy Garden
The mailbox, that is—because this pixie gypsy caravan by artist Nichola Battilana of Pixie Hill is actually made from a mailbox cut in half and it has us making all of the heart eyes. It's an absolutely ingenious upcycling project perfect for the more Bohemian-spirited of your garden fairy folk.
12. Zen Fairy Garden
Fairies need a little Zen, too. Maybe even a nice, tranquil spot to roll out a tiny yoga mat. This fairy garden idea from Farm and Foundry features a miniature walking labyrinth, a meditative sandbox, and colorful washi tape prayer flags.
