Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
12/9/04
Contacts:
Lisa Nunamaker Orgler, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-2710, lorgler@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Reiman's Pick for the week of Dec. 6, 2004
The Terrarium - An Exotic Year-Round Garden
By Lisa Nunamaker Orgler
Reiman Gardens
Iowa State University
Cold weather may have settled in Iowa, but gardeners can still enjoy a garden full of life. Terrariums are a low-maintenance method of adding exotics to your home year-round, while also adding a touch of beauty.
In the early 19th century, a London physician and amateur naturalist, Dr. Nathaniel Bradshaw Ward, invented the terrarium to transport exotic plants around the world. However, plant exploration soon shifted to novelty as Victorians brought terrariums into their homes and "parlor gardening" began. The terrarium provided a protected growing space from polluted city air, highlighted collections of unusual plants, and most importantly, added a sense of nature to an urban environment. Victorian terrariums were highly decorative and adorned with elaborate metal, woodcarvings and colored glass.
Today terrariums can still provide that touch of nature and year-round exotic splendor to your home, with little care. Choose simple glass containers with lids or elaborate enclosed glass-houses to present your "parlor garden." Select plants that require similar conditions, but differ in texture, color and size to create interest. To add that Victorian flare, embellish with stones, shells or even pieces of broken mirror.
Create your own Victorian decorative terrarium at Iowa State University's Reiman Gardens in the Victorian Terrarium workshop on Saturday, Jan. 8.
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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 328K. Caption: A terrarium provides a protected growing space that highlights collections of unusual plants and adds a sense of nature to an urban environment. |
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