Holiday Project: Terrarium

School holidays are here and this little low-cost hands-on project is a great way to fill in some time.

A few years back one of our sons had a fish, and once the 2nd one was replaced... we decided our fish keeping days were over! So this 'helicopter' tank has lied dormant for a while. Perfect container for a terrarium!

Other items required include, small shells or plastic toys, rocks ($3 from BIG W), succulent potting mix, cuttings from existing succulents and a 'poker' chopstick for making the holes to poke your cutting into.

Thinking about how most of our plants/gardens are suffering with the hot dry summer, this little project is a great way to get kids involved/interested in gardening without tender loving care required for plant survival!

A layer of pebbles on the base ensures good drainage, then add a good layer of potting mix. Plants can start to be added, thinking about heights, begin in a central location and work your way out.

Master 8 decided to add 'army men' figurings to his terrarium, plus shells.

Master 5 taking a closer inspection

A final layer of rock is added towards the end, depending on what needs 'weighing' down.

Some items like shells we found are better placed in last.

All in all, I think you will agree the end result looks pretty fab!