Ah, fairy gardens! These whimsical little setups are hugely popular because they connect us with our sometimes long-lost imaginations and allow us to create a fantasy world of our very own. They’re a fun, escapist project—whether or not you have kids! Enter: these best fairy garden ideas.
Essentially, fairy gardens—also called enchanted gardens—are minuscule plots that include live plants, flowers, mushrooms, tiny statues, darling trinkets, and other mini accessories such as furniture, fountains, or swings. They’re constructed indoors or out, and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to create one. You can make one on the cheap from items you already own—it'll be just as adorable as any items bought from a store! Try placing one in your small garden or on the patio. You can even build one in a raised bed or near your vegetable garden—the possibilities are endless!
Start with a pot or other container you have on hand already. The more creative the better: An old wheelbarrow, a teapot, a dresser drawer, pumpkins, or even a broken terra cotta pot can provide the foundation for your little scene. Add soil or sand, and build your garden using found objects such as pine cones, sticks and stones, or miniature decorative items you've made or purchased at a craft store. Stick with a certain theme, such as a cottage garden, the beach or the woodlands—or not! It’s completely up to you, which is part of the enormous charm of these miniature worlds.
Now that your interest is piqued, here are some adorable ideas for a DIY fairy garden to get your creativity flowing!
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1
Terracotta Pots Garden
The most magical part of this lovely setup? It can be done in four simple steps. Once you gather everything you need to make your yard come to life, just paint and decorate the pots, paint the wood accessories, add some moss, and glue it all together! Fairly easy, right?
Get the tutorial at Mod Podge Rocks.
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2
Farm Garden
We think Ree would definitely approve of this little scene! Invite a few farmyard fairy friends into your garden with a red barn and some ranch accessories. The barn is easily made using a birdhouse, paint, and moss. After that, you can buy a few miniature trinkets to set around or make your own.
Get the tutorial at Kid Friendly Things To Do.
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3
Polymer Clay Garden
If you really want to get crafty, try your hand at a playfully designed landscape using polymer clay. The little cottage was made by shaping the clay over a can. Then you can sculpt other fun creations to sit around it. After you bake the pieces, they're both durable and waterproof.
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
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4
Magnetic Fridge Garden
Don't limit yourself to only outdoor fairy gardens! With this super sweet DIY project, you can bring the whimsy inside, too. You'll start by decorating a wooden pencil box with sheet moss and little trinkets, then go from there! Just be sure to grab some strong magnets to hold it all in place on your fridge.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
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5
Stone Cottage
These cottages are cute enough that you'll want to move into them yourself! These cottages are made of flat stones and come with a bark roof—the ideal addition to any fairy garden.
Get the tutorial at Mommy on Purpose.
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6
Wicker Basket Garden
Tiny slices of branches and pebbles are used for these sweet pathways, and live plants fill out the look of this charming wicker basket garden. It's a great way to repurpose extra baskets you have around the house.
Get the tutorial at Echoes of Laughter.
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7
Mason Jar Garden
A Mason jar and decoupage come together for a simple but darling fairy garden. You probably already have the supplies on hand! Use it as a planter or vase.
Get the tutorial at The Country Chic Cottage.
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8
Window Box Garden
Pretty up a boring window box with this darling cottage that's made from found materials, along with flowers, a pebble path, and wood slices. Bits of sticks become tiny trees in this enchanting window box.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
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9
Stone Patio and Paths
Add a path for your fairies to traipse across or a patio where the fairies can lounge! Get a pre-made kit or make your own with tiny bits of stones or broken ceramic pieces.
Get the tutorial at Two Green Thumbs.
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10
Metal Lantern Garden
A metal lantern with the glass removed becomes a garden that would look great indoors or out. Make it in less than an hour and add your own finishing touches, like this teeny bench.
Get the tutorial at Happy Hour Projects.
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11
Galvanized Washtub Garden
This precious garden sits atop a vintage galvanized washtub. Live moss, gorgeous purple lobelia, and sweet alyssum round out the plants, while a pink birdhouse with a penny-covered roof complete the look.
Get the tutorial at The Burgh Baby.
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12
Teacup Fairy Garden
Whether you've inherited the family china or found a collectible you love at a vintage shop, this is a lovely way to repurpose seldom-used items. Tiny succulents fill this pretty cup and teapot for a charming garden you can enjoy anywhere. And it's perfect for gifting!
Get the tutorial at Life is a Party.
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13
Fairy Garden Cottage
Paint an inexpensive craft birdhouse and create 3-D flowers from clay to decorate the front. A roof made from pebbles and moss adds the final touch for a fairy cottage that's move-in ready!
Get the tutorial at Carla Schauer.
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14
Flower Pot Garden
A small flower pot makes for a perfectly-sized fairy garden that can be placed anywhere in your yard or on your deck. Moss, pebbles, and a tiny cafe table welcome the fairies along with a cheery banner.
Get the tutorial at Coffee, Pancakes & Dreams.
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15
Popsicle Stick Fairy House
You'd never know popsicle sticks are the foundation of this house because they're dressed up with tiny twigs, Spanish moss, and real dried leaves.
Get the tutorial at A Few Shortcuts.
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16
Pumpkin Fairy Garden
Real pumpkins are hollowed out to form the base of this charming village that fairies (and people!) will adore. There's even a clothesline with tiny felt clothes hung out to dry. Found materials such as pine cones, sticks, and acorns complete the look.
Get the tutorial at Adventure in a Box.
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17
Seed Package Fairy House
This sweet garden is displayed in an old pot, with Irish moss as grass and tiny stones for a pathway. But the real charmer is the fairy garden house, decoupaged with old seed packages! Don't forget to plant the seeds in your garden too.
Get the tutorial at Life is a Party.
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18
Solar-Powered Fairy House
A recycled plastic bottle is the base of this tiny home. A solar- powered lid makes this adorable pebble-covered house glow softly at night.
Get the tutorial at Creative Green Living.
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19
Wooden Box Garden
A wooden box houses this quaint fairy garden. A tiny birdhouse covered in stones and sheets of moss evoke a woodland theme.
Get the tutorial at Sew Much Ado.
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20
Scrap Wood Fairy House
How easy is this? Paint cobblestone details on scrap wood! It's quick to make, and you can create a bunch of different houses in an afternoon.
Get the tutorial at Chicken Scratch NY.
