Creating a fairy garden in the backyard is a fun and relaxing activity that can be either a year-round hobby or a one-time warm weather project. A fairy garden adds a small spot of magic and fantasy to the landscape while providing a creative outlet for mental relaxation for the homeowner. Before the fairy garden is built, however, it helps to plan what type of fairy garden is suitable for the space available.

Portable or stationary fairy gardens

Portable gardens can be placed anywhere that isn't in a high traffic area where it might be knocked over and destroyed. It can be moved to a different location if needed while a stationary garden will be more work intensive to move. However, a stationary garden is less limited to the size constraints of its container and can expand depending on its location in the yard.

A portable fairy garden can be constructed inside an urn or any container that's available or within a group of pots. Rachel Brougham writing for familyhandyman.com suggests, "Grab three　flower pots and you're on your way to a multi-level DIY fairy garden. And use some sticks bound together with thin wire for walkways to connect each level for an outdoor fairy garden." Although flowerpots and urns make good containers for fairy gardens, other containers such as buckets, watering cans or even old work boots can be repurposed as fairy gardens.

Location options for more permanent fairy gardens include around the base of a large tree, in front of a retaining wall, beside a porch, the shore of a koi pond, the foot of a lamp post or trellis or the edge of a flower garden. The location can be uniquely specific to the property, blending in with the landscape and providing a whimsical spot of fun and fantasy.

Types of fairy gardens

Fairy garden kits can be purchased and used as either a starter or a complete fairy garden. A small kit, ideal for a container garden, may include a fairy house and one or two fairies while a larger kit may include a variety of up to 100 pieces. Additional pieces can be added to gradually enlarge the garden or more kits can be purchased to quickly grow a fairy garden neighborhood or village.

Tiny doors and windows can be purchased to dress up a tree or stump that appears to be a home for fairies. These can be good starter pieces If planning a fairy garden around the base of a tree. The display can expand from there by adding other accessories like tiny rock bordered pathways leading up to the door.

An alternative to buying kits or ready-made fairy garden parts is to take a do-it-yourself approach. Houses can be constructed from toothpicks, popsicle sticks or scrap wood leftover from other projects. Use leftover paints to add color and a finished look to the houses. Acorns, pinecones, pebbles and twigs can be gathered to create rustic rooftops, walkways and other accessories. Any small parts around the house or yard can be repurposed to build or decorate a unique DIY fairy garden.

Themes

Fairy garden themes can illustrate myths, fairy tales or celebrate holidays. The holiday theme can be expanded by redecorating and redesigning during the different holiday seasons throughout the year.

Other themes can be based on favorite vacations such as a beach or camping trip theme. Fairies can also be displayed enjoying favorite activities like fishing or dancing.

Plants to add

Some plants to use in or around the fairy garden are moss and anything miniature that fits in with the tiny scale of the fairy garden. Theresa Mieseler writing for motherearthliving.com says, "Begin by choosing low-growing herbs. The scale of plant material in your fairy garden container is important because the plants create the miniature landscape and make it manageable."

Larger plants can also be used to border the fairy garden whether the fairy garden is in a container or not. For example, create the fairy garden under a hedge or at the foot of a lamppost or trellis where morning glories or other climbing flowers already exist. This provides a backdrop of greenery and seasonal color when flowers are in bloom.

A fairy garden can add color, fun and interest to any landscape. Creating the fairy garden offers a chance to enjoy an outdoor project that's pleasant and relaxing.