It’s been nearly a year since The Big Explorer built a fairy house. But thanks to several visits from the tooth fairy since then, he hasn’t lost his belief in the magical world in which they exist.
When I suggested it might be fun to build a fairy garden in our backyard, he jumped to it. He immediately started drawing a blueprint for the garden, which he called his “fairy city.”
Making a fairy garden can be as simple or elaborate as you want. We started with an old crate and some leftover soil from our wildflower plantings. The Big Explorer’s blueprint also featured a garden, some rocks, moss, a pool, a resting log and a couple of cars (of course!).
We picked up what we needed from our local Home Depot, then set about creating the fairy garden. Aside from pouring in the dirt, The Big Explorer created the entire thing himself.
First came the plants, which are trees to the fairies.
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Then came the pool, resting log, rock path and moss.
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And finally, the cars.
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He added a few special touches, like a tiny pinecone to a leaf on one of the trees and some special stones given to him last summer from the forest fairies.
He thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. He’s hoping our backyard fairies will love their garden as much as he does.
Note: Ours is a very simple example of a fairy garden. You can find detailed instructions on how to make a fairy garden at the Magic Onions.
Take-Home Tips
- Let the kids take the lead. From concept to execution, this fairy garden was all from the creative mind of The Big Explorer.
- Help foster a sense of magic. I’ve got a feeling our backyard fairies will be paying the garden a visit. Perhaps leave behind a flower or two to show their appreciation.
More Ideas for Backyard Nature Fun
- Go on a spring nature scavenger hunt.
- Make a fairy loom.
- Cook up some goop and flower cupcakes.
- Create your own butterfly wings.
Well put, Chris! I think my boys would agree with you. 🙂
I love this idea! Anything that encourages wonder and whimsy is a great thing. Just because fairies have wings, there's no reason they can't drive cars, right? This is all about being in the moment, which should always be celebrated.
Thank you, Donni. Your magical fairy creations are such an inspiration! The Fairy Garden Contest is such a wonderful idea. Thanks for inviting us to participate. 🙂
I love your Fairy Garden, especially the sweet writing on the box 🙂 That makes it utterly magical.<br />I am hosting a Fairy Garden Contest on my blog and I'd love you to enter this gorgeous little kingdom 🙂
I love the garden/city and the special touch with the cars :).
That's so sweet– I love the fairy garden/city!
Love it!