Way back in 1884 a London doctor, Dr.
Nathaniel Ward wrote an article in the Gardener's Magazine of his successful attempts at growing rare and delicate plants, mostly ferns, in small glass cases, rather like miniature indoor greenhouses.
Fern cases - or "wardian cases " as they were more generally known - started appearing in many elegant drawing rooms, and ferns became the most popular of all house and garden plants.
The fashion declined in the last quarter of the 19th century and today you would be very lucky indeed to find an original wardian case, even in antique shops.
However, a modern version is gaining in popularity and is finding favor with a new generation of indoor gardeners.
Known variously as the terrarium, planetarium, or plant case, it can vary from a modest jam jar housing a single plant, through converted fish tanks to an elaborate, purpose-built miniature greenhouse tacked on to the window of a house.
The modern gardener is not, however, restricted to growing ferns, although many of these do thrive enclosed in glass.
Given enough warmth, tropical and sub-tropical foliage plants of all kinds; many of them difficult to grow as houseplants can be used.
Flowering plants also will thrive so long as you can reach in easily to remove dead flowers.
African Violets (Saintpaulias) and their relatives are cheap and easy terrarium subjects, while many of the smaller orchids will thrive.
An interesting project for a young gardener would be to create a woodland terrarium using wild plants, interesting branches and stones.
How Terrariums Work Terrariums are an ideal means of growing plants to keep them away from the hot, dry atmosphere of centrally heated homes, which is so harmful to many indoor plants.
A humid micro climate is built up within the confines of the glass case which, combined with adequate heat, suits the more tender houseplants whose natural home is a steamy tropical bushland.
The community within a terrarium is almost self-supporting, its physical ingredients being cycled and recycled by the plant life.
Water in the potting mixture is given off as vapour from their leaves.
This condenses as droplets on the glass walls and roof, to run back down into the soil; the atmosphere inside also remains in balance, the plants absorbing oxygen at night and giving off carbon dioxide, reversing the process in daylight.
Planting Your Terrarium Always make sure the container is perfectly clean before planting, and select your plants to suit its shape and size, ensuring they all like the same growing conditions.
A drainage layer of agricultural charcoal, or a mix of charcoal and gravel is essential.
About an inch (3cm) in small terrariums to 2inches in large containers makes a good foundation.
Then add twice that depth of moist potting soil which is not too rich in fertilizer.
Water should be added sparingly planting.
When planting, allow room for the plants to grow, otherwise it will become crowded very quickly and you won't be able to see the individual plants.
The potting mix should always remain slightly moist.
With closed terrariums there should be slight condensation on the inside.
If condensation is excessive, leave the lid off for a few days to let it dry out.
If there is no condensation, water very carefully with a fine spray.
Two final tips: Always remove dead foliage or flowers and watch out for any pests and diseases and treat immediately.
Do not place the terrarium in full sunlight as it will get too warm.
A little experimentation with different locations might be needed before it becomes maintenance-free.
You will then be able to enjoy your arrangement for many months to come.
Indoor gardening can be challenging, but is never boring.
Adding a glass container, however small, suitably planted, will add a quirky feature to your collection.
Nathaniel Ward wrote an article in the Gardener's Magazine of his successful attempts at growing rare and delicate plants, mostly ferns, in small glass cases, rather like miniature indoor greenhouses.
Fern cases - or "wardian cases " as they were more generally known - started appearing in many elegant drawing rooms, and ferns became the most popular of all house and garden plants.
The fashion declined in the last quarter of the 19th century and today you would be very lucky indeed to find an original wardian case, even in antique shops.
However, a modern version is gaining in popularity and is finding favor with a new generation of indoor gardeners.
Known variously as the terrarium, planetarium, or plant case, it can vary from a modest jam jar housing a single plant, through converted fish tanks to an elaborate, purpose-built miniature greenhouse tacked on to the window of a house.
The modern gardener is not, however, restricted to growing ferns, although many of these do thrive enclosed in glass.
Given enough warmth, tropical and sub-tropical foliage plants of all kinds; many of them difficult to grow as houseplants can be used.
Flowering plants also will thrive so long as you can reach in easily to remove dead flowers.
African Violets (Saintpaulias) and their relatives are cheap and easy terrarium subjects, while many of the smaller orchids will thrive.
An interesting project for a young gardener would be to create a woodland terrarium using wild plants, interesting branches and stones.
How Terrariums Work Terrariums are an ideal means of growing plants to keep them away from the hot, dry atmosphere of centrally heated homes, which is so harmful to many indoor plants.
A humid micro climate is built up within the confines of the glass case which, combined with adequate heat, suits the more tender houseplants whose natural home is a steamy tropical bushland.
The community within a terrarium is almost self-supporting, its physical ingredients being cycled and recycled by the plant life.
Water in the potting mixture is given off as vapour from their leaves.
This condenses as droplets on the glass walls and roof, to run back down into the soil; the atmosphere inside also remains in balance, the plants absorbing oxygen at night and giving off carbon dioxide, reversing the process in daylight.
Planting Your Terrarium Always make sure the container is perfectly clean before planting, and select your plants to suit its shape and size, ensuring they all like the same growing conditions.
A drainage layer of agricultural charcoal, or a mix of charcoal and gravel is essential.
About an inch (3cm) in small terrariums to 2inches in large containers makes a good foundation.
Then add twice that depth of moist potting soil which is not too rich in fertilizer.
Water should be added sparingly planting.
When planting, allow room for the plants to grow, otherwise it will become crowded very quickly and you won't be able to see the individual plants.
The potting mix should always remain slightly moist.
With closed terrariums there should be slight condensation on the inside.
If condensation is excessive, leave the lid off for a few days to let it dry out.
If there is no condensation, water very carefully with a fine spray.
Two final tips: Always remove dead foliage or flowers and watch out for any pests and diseases and treat immediately.
Do not place the terrarium in full sunlight as it will get too warm.
A little experimentation with different locations might be needed before it becomes maintenance-free.
You will then be able to enjoy your arrangement for many months to come.
Indoor gardening can be challenging, but is never boring.
Adding a glass container, however small, suitably planted, will add a quirky feature to your collection.