Fairy Gardens, Garden Fairies

Do you see fairies in your garden? Look closer, you might.

I've written about fairy gardens several times in the past, specifically about the Ozarks tradition that hails from early European immigrants, of leaving a corner of the garden un-plowed, for fairies. It's that very corner where hollyhocks, four-o-clocks, bachelor's buttons, poppies and other re-seeding plants grow. To read more, here's the link if you'd like to know more about those fairy gardens.

Fairy hat left on an allium blossom, evidence the fairies were working there.

But there are other kinds of fairy gardens, too. I want to tell you about 2 books, both from friends of mine, each taking a different position on fairy gardens. First, Betty Earl, has a wonderful new book, Fairy Gardens, A Guide to Growing an Enchanted Miniature World.

Betty Earl

Betty's focus is on what used to be called dish or miniature gardens, but with a new twist. Her gardens are planted with tiny plants in a small space - such as the size of a patio plant saucer, or smaller. In the miniscule landscape she builds entire fantasy worlds, complete with itsy-bitsy pathways, thumb-sized fairy houses, people, furniture and fairy-sized garden tools.

When Betty Mackey, the publisher (B.B. Mackey Books) asked me for a quote for possible inclusion for the back cover of the book here's what I offered:

"I really don't think I would trust any gardener who claims they don't believe in faeries. Either they aren't being truthful, or they don't believe in the magic of sprouting seeds and blooming things. Gardening is always an adventure in hope and imagination. Betty Earl opens the enchanted door to creating your own garden for faeries."

A miniature world, all of  your own creation.

So, if you like miniature gardens and creating special fantastical places, you will love this book! Lots of photos, sources for delightfully tiny items, along with suggestions for miniature plants. You will learn how to make your own enchanted miniature world! $21.95, plus postage. Look for it on Amazon or ask for it directly from the publisher at B.B.Mackey Books.

Betsy Williams with some of her books.

My long time friend, Betsy Williams, has hosted Fairy Festivals at her herb business, The Proper Season in Andover, MA for many years. Her book, Are There Fairies at the  Bottom of Your Garden? describes an enchanted world where children and adults alike, delve into fairy lore, lifestyle and customs.

Betsy gives resources of children's gardens, fairy festivals (did you know there are many across the U.S.?) and a section on garden fairies' favorite plants (they especially like nasturtiums and hollyhock blossoms, for example). There's also a history of where fairies come from and how they go about their hidden work in the garden, making plants grow, bloom and produce.

If you'd like to create your own fairy festival, she has included the details for that, too. Do you know how to make magic fairy dust? The recipe's in the book. So are recipes for a fairy cakes, fairy beverages and lots more. Visit Betsy betsywilliams.com if you'd like to get her book. 

Bachelor's Buttons, another favorite flower of fairies.