Tag: Rainforest

Categories
Large Custom Projects

Sara Beth’s New Green Mansion

Sara Beth bought a Wardian case while visiting in St. Louis, and brought it by to see if I could plant it for her.

  I’ve looked at these miniature ornamental iron and glass contraptions many times, but never planted one as they are for some reason designed more for showing with artificial plants (ack!) than actually for planting.  The glass panes were not sealed, and the metal tray in the bottom rattled around unsecured, with a gap between the sides of the tray and frame.  I got my good friend Donn to seal it all very neatly with aquarium safe silicone sealer, then headed East to plant the little guy.


Sara Beth has a perfect little nook for the terrarium, with a large south facing window and plantation shutters to filter the brighter beams


So I gathered my rocks, gravel, activated carbon, sphagnum moss and, of course,

 My special terrarium soil mix.  I like to mix soil in this enamel washpan my friend, Alisa, gave me years ago.


I propagate most of my plants in little mini greenhouses like this box of espicia, peacock fern, and ficus pumila.

 I like using selaginella in terries, and this variety grows tall enough to fill the tall case.   Two little fittonia huddle in the corner.


It wil take a few months for everyone to settle and start really filling the space,  but I think it turned out pretty nice.

Two kinds of hemographis reptans, peacock fern, selaginella cypress moss, espicia, ficus pumila, feather moss

I think they will be very happy together for many years to come.

One main reason I am in this business is to share the joy of living with plants.  Please send me a note if you want to learn more, or to set up a consultation to get your own Green Mansion.

Peace and love – Nancy

 

Categories
Uncategorized

About Green Mansions Memphis

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Green Mansions are unique, sustainable terrariums created by Nancy Morrow. More than a rainforest in a jar, they are sentient friends, silent wondrous worlds of green life. Lift the top and smell Eden. Terries are low maintenance and particularly suited to urban environments and small spaces. I plant my terries with loving care, then spend weeks or months training the plants and shaping the landscape; they live for years with minimal maintenance.

Green Mansions are popular gifts for housewarmings, and brighten up any office desktop or reception area.  Many people keep them on kitchen breakfast countertops, or under skylights in the master bath.  Kids who like the outdoors are fascinated by the ever changing worlds under glass. They are long lasting gifts for Mom, Dad, and anyone you want to show some love.  Cut flowers are pretty for day; a terrarium will bring years of joy.

Get your own tiny rainforest at Diane’s Art, Gift, and Home, on Overton Park Street; at the Annesdale Park Gallery or The Spa Midtown, both  on Peabody Avenue, all in Midtown Memphis.

Prices range from $25 for wine glass moss creations to an average of $80 for a medium tabletop bowl; prices vary by size, the rarity of the plants, etc.

Terrariums, plants and supplies are available by appointment at the Mansion, along with the opportunity to build your own and learn about the world of gardening under glass.  Custom designs are my specialty, and inquiries on plant matters are welcome.  You can contact me for an appointment, or watch for my sales and workshops at locations around the city.

Click the button to follow the site for updates, and thanks for stopping by.  Nancy Morrow

Verdant pasture with zebra and crystals

Categories
Terrarium Care

Tips for Keeping Your Terrarium Healthy

krishna bowl

When maintaining your terrarium, it’s important to remember some of the simple tips listed below:’

The terrariums all need bright, indirect light; much direct sunlight can overheat the container or burn the plants. Most terrariums will be happy a foot or so from an east window, or in a north window, and they shine like jewels 2-3 feet under fluorescent light.

If your terry has a lid, moisture may cloud the glass. Take the top off and it will clear in a few minutes. You can leave the top off a day or two to let it dry a little to cut down on condensation. Take the top off at least every few days to refresh the air (sniff the air that comes out, it smells like a rainforest).

The open tops will need to be misted every few days and will need watering on occasion, probably every few weeks.  Covered terries will lose water if the top does not have a tight seal, and will need watering every few months.  The easiest way to tell is that the soil gets lighter and less compact in appearance as it dries out;  you may notice the plants getting a little droopy, too, or the moss will look dry.

Use a small container, like a shotglass, and block most of the top with a few fingers, then gently pour all around to cover the surface lightly. You’ll see the water moving through the soil toward the gravel.  Slowly add the water in sips so it spreads through the soil rather than flowing straight to the gravel.  It is difficult to rehydrate totally dry planting substrate,and you may want to call or email with questions.

Feed with fish emulsion, etc., at ½ strength, only once or twice a year.  Eventually you may have to trim some leaves to keep things under control. Avoid putting food on any moss if possible. It’s not really complicated, but you have to pay attention – there are a lot of living things in there depending on your help. Please call or e-mail me with any questions. I sell plants because they bring me much joy and peace, and I want to share this with others. Nancy Morrow, 991-828-3685 or [email protected]