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I do not know about you, but it is finally starting to feel like “real” winter in my neck of the woods. The season has been lingering for weeks, but only in the last few days has any of that powdery, wet, wonderful white stuff fallen from the sky in any substantial amount. The grey, chilly days of winter are some of my least favorite, but snow makes up for it. I love the hushed, peaceful feeling of a snowy neighborhood. The children sledding, dogs traipsing through snowbanks, and yes, even the neighbors who give each other a knowing nod as they furiously brush the snow off of their windshields. For me, snow is what makes winter worth it! Of course, as fun as the snow can be, it does make life much tougher for the avid gardener. No matter how carefully I have filled my window boxes, raised beds, and outdoor winter container gardens with winter plants, heavy snowfalls tend to blunt their visual effects. The bright violets and other winter flowering plants are covered with white flakes. The winter container plants are reduced to branches peeking out from under piles of snow. The fairyhood is somewhere under the snow, quietly hibernating until the springtime sun melts it back to life. No matter how much snow your region receives each year, the winter chill is probably enough to drive you inside and out of your favorite outdoor garden spots. That is totally okay! I am right there with you. Luckily, there are plenty of easy solutions for bringing the miniature garden indoors, out of the snow, away from the ice, and right into your cozy home. If your winter season is short and sweet, you could keep the fun going indoors with faux plants or tender perennials you usually grow outside as annuals. Geraniums, impatiens, and coleus can all be overwintered indoors. One of my favorite winter plants for indoor use is Variegated Boxwood. Its woody base and stems stand out against the light green and creamy variegation of its leaves. With a little pruning and a sunny spot near a window, this winter plant be the colorful centerpiece in your winter container garden. Winter is the time to protect your miniature accessories and fairies from the weather. As the temperature begins to drop in the fall, bring them inside and get organized. This is a great opportunity to clean and fix up your fairy cottages, fairies, and other miniature accessories before “planting” them in a dish garden or indoor winter container garden. Do you have a close friend or family member who is an avid gardener? Winter can be the perfect time to institute a “plant exchange” or a “fairy exchange.” Pick out one or two miniature plants or miniature accessories you are ready to part with. Then trade with your friend! This can be an easy way to add some flair to your garden or try out a new-to-you winter plant. And with a friend who has already grown and propagated the plant, you have a built-in expert! How will you be scratching your gardening itch during the remainder of the snowy season? While I love nothing more than feeling the sun’s rays on my neck as I dig in the outdoor garden, I could get used to the unique beauty of winter plants and winter container gardens. Miniature Gardening offers a variety of accessories, fairies, garden tools & dollhouse furniture to create enchanting miniature landscapes for winter container plants or your yard. Story telling and imaginary fairy garden plants from 'Miniature Gardening' bring the playful kid out in all of us. Filled with intrigue and mystique each little miniature garden scene you create is a snapshot of such a dream.
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