The first time that I ever spotted a tree trunk fairy garden, was while walking around my block a couple of years ago. The tiny vignette was super cute, and at the time I assumed that it was a one off. Not true. Just today, while walking my dog around the neighborhood, I spotted a number of tree trunk fairy gardens. The imaginative garden arrangements come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and some are more intricate than others. But they all share wonderful imaginations, no matter their scope and scale.
What I find fascinating about these miniature fairy settings is how they endure the natural elements. Unless they are vigilantly maintained, they do suffer at the hands of Mother Nature. The ephemeral nature of the garden scene is just part of the fun I suppose. It took two years for the one that I first came across to almost completely disappear, and even today I still see a few small remnants that remain.
Some fairy gardens are super DIY, using found design elements, while others are a bit more commercial in nature. I am aware that Urban Roots Garden Cooperative (FB) on the city’s West Side sells many of the tiny garden features, including such items as wheelbarrows, watering cans, trellises, etc.
Building a tree trunk fairy garden is a great activity for families, whose members enjoy building and putting the creations together.
It must be interesting to see who takes notice, and who walks right on by without paying attention to the minuscule artistic milieus underfoot.
Be sure to keep your eyes open during the Garden Walk for these fascinating creations.