One of the best places for inspiration is meandering through the forest on a hike. While hiking through the campground of my favorite state park this past weekend, I noticed a fairy garden built on a tree stump. This charming scene warmed my heart. As I trekked on, I started thinking about more about fairy gardens. Of course, being the time of year it is, I also started thinking about Christmas gifts. Then the idea of building a fairy garden incorporating the best indoor flower for wintertime, the amaryllis, came to mind. Not only would I create an amaryllis fairy garden, but I decided this project would make a fun gift for my 11-year-old niece this year.
I’ve grown many amaryllis over the last ten years. From jumbo premium amaryllis varieties to the fun waxed amaryllis and everything in between. But I have never planted an amaryllis fairy garden. And quite honestly, I am surprised that the thought has never occurred to me before last week. I have been dreaming and scheming all the fun ways to take a simple amaryllis planter and turn it into a miniature world. Since this is a creative endeavor, the possibilities are endless. However, I have created three themes for three different amaryllis fairy gardens. I implore you to get creative with the materials and ideas you have on hand. All three amaryllis fairy gardens will use Tinkerbell Amaryllis (of course), but you can use any variety of amaryllis you like!
DIY Project: Amaryllis Fairy Garden
Winter Wonderland Amaryllis Fairy Garden
Supplies Needed:
- 1 Tinkerbell Amaryllis
- 1 8-10″ diameter container of your choosing
- 1 bag of Lambert All Purpose Potting SoilÂ
- 1 pack of SnowReal Instant Decorative Snow
- Fairy or gnome figurine(s)
- Winter-themed fairy garden decorations (snowflakes, snowmen, Santa clause, pinecones, winter foliage, birds, moss)
The winter-themed fairy garden accessories don’t need to be official fairy garden figurines. Christmas ornaments can be repurposed in the Winter Wonderland Amaryllis Fairy Garden. Whether you dig through your ornament collection, go thrifting at your favorite secondhand store, or get them from a craft store, Christmas decorations can easily fit into this theme. Items like pinecones, berries, and evergreen branches can also be incorporated into the Winter Wonderland Amaryllis Fairy Garden.
Enchanted Forest Amaryllis Fairy Garden
Supplies Needed:
- 1 Tinkerbell Amaryllis
- 1 8-10″ diameter container of your choosing
- 1 bag of Lambert All Purpose Potting Soil
- Dried sphagnum or fake moss
- Fairy and/or gnome figurine(s)
- Nature-based fairy garden-themed items (deer, owls, mushrooms, rocks)
Anything found in a forest or reminds you of a forest could be added to this amaryllis fairy garden. Fairy garden kits and accessories purchased online and at craft stores are commonly nature-themed, as that is where the fairies live, in nature, of course. Foraging in your yard for natural items like pebbles, rocks, stones, branches, moss, and twigs should also be considered.
Illuminated Amaryllis Fairy Garden
Supplies Needed:
- 1 Tinkerbell Amaryllis
- 1 clear glass container (cylinder or bowl)
- Decorative stone for the bottom of the container
- Lambert All Purpose Potting SoilÂ
- Dried sphagnum or fake moss
- Fairy or gnome figurine(s)
- Battery-operated fairy lights
- Whimsical fairy garden items (animals, flowers, mushrooms, moss, stars, moons, lanterns)
Create an enchanting illuminated amaryllis fairy garden. Amaryllis bulbs will need some soil to grow; however, they need just enough to cover and keep the roots moist. They can be placed in a clear vase or bowl with glowing lights inside or outside of the container. Place the decorative stone on the bottom of the glass container. The Tinkerbell Amaryllis will go on top of the decorative stone. Add soil and moss around the bulb to cover the roots and the base of the bulb. I wrapped the fairy lights around the outside of the container to prevent the wires from getting wet and so the battery pack could be hidden.
Tinkerbell Amaryllis
The fairy garden building is the first fun part of this project, but the second fun part comes later when the amaryllis blooms. I am using Tinkerbell Amaryllis because it fits with the fairy garden theme. But there are other reasons as well. I love the rosy pink blooms, as when this blooms after the holidays, it will remind me of spring colors soon to be seen outside.
The flowers of Tinkerbell Amaryllis are showy, typically 4-5″ in diameter. They aren’t so large that they could topple over in a vase or container of the fairy garden. Tinkerbell is a miniature amaryllis with smaller stems and a maximum height of 18-24″ tall. Tinkerbell Amaryllis is known to have 6-8+ blooms per stem and will bloom 2-3 times per season.
Give the Gift of Creative Fairy Garden Fun
Yes, I had fun creating my own amaryllis fairy garden; however, I initially thought this would make a fun gift. While this definitely could be a fun gift for a garden enthusiast, a child or young adult is the ideal recipient.
This gift provides creativity, responsibility, anticipation, beauty, and fun. It’s unique and not something they will expect. Creating the fairy garden itself with other family members or friends is fun, but the anticipation of waiting for the blooms to arrive is even better. To start, send the gift recipient an amaryllis bulb and potting soil. If you’re feeling generous, consider sending a pot and some fairy garden accessories. Depending on how creative they are, send them this blog and suggest they go on a treasure hunt at their local craft store to find the elements they will add to their fairy garden.
Read More Tips on Growing Amaryllis Here:
