Making the Perfect Terrarium

1. A glass container with a lid. Ideally one that is fishbowl-sized, but this may vary. Don't stress if you really want to use a glass container that does not have an accompanying lid, but in this case, you will need to get Saran Wrap, string, and the ribbon of your choice.

2. Untouched potting soil.

3. Distilled water.

4. Gravel.

5. Plants of your choice!

6. Activated carbon. (Hint: you can find this wherever aquarium supplies are sold.)

7. Any decorative elements you might want to add to your terrarium - rocks, signs, anything!

1. Layer one inch of gravel at the bottom of your glass container.

2. Add a layer of the activated carbon on top of the gravel.

3. Add the soil - this should be thick enough for your plants to be rooted in, so several inches at least. Don't be greedy with your soil!

4. Arrange your plants and figure out how they would be best placed within the glass container. Plant them in the soil, and lightly press the soil down around the plant. Add your decorative elements where you would like them.

5. Moderately water your terrarium and close it off.

If you do not have a water-tight lid:

6. Use Saran Wrap to tightly cover the top of the glass container.

7. Wrap string around the top of the container so the Saran Wrap is tight and in place.

8. Use the ribbon of your choice to cover the string. Tie a nice big bow!

It may be hard to believe, but you won't need to water your terrarium for weeks at a time, and even then, a light misting will suffice. Your terrarium will give the gift of self-sustination!

Your plants will likely grow nice and tall so you'll want to clip them back if they grow too much.

Terrariums are so easy, why WOULDN'T you want to make one? Making a terrarium will give you the satisfaction of caring for a living plant without the effort of a garden! This is especially good for those who don't have the time to dedicate to a garden, or for those who seem to kill every plant they touch. (*cough* My mother *cough*)

They spruce up any living area or office! Really, they are very nice to look at and they are compatible with any style of decor you are trying to achieve.