Terrarium

Bring the outside in by making a terrarium

                Building a terrarium can be a combination craft and science project for the children in your charge. It enables them to design a miniature landscape, while watching something they have planted, grow.
            First you will need the glass structure to host your project. Often you can find the right container by simply looking around the house for a forgotten fishbowl, or empty glass jug. Perhaps you will do a little shopping at the local thrift store or find the perfect item at a garage sale. But if you plan to do this project with a group of kids, and can't afford purchasing used glass bowls, stop in at your favorite restaurant. Very often pickles or maraschino cherries come in gallon glass jugs, that make ideal miniature terrariums. And it is possible you can get the restaurant to save you a few.
            Next you will need some plants. Fortunately the smaller the starter plants, the less expensive they are. Go to your local nursery and tell them what you will be doing, and ask them to suggest three or four small plants for your project. Purchase some potting soil, gravel and activated charcoal. Look around for colored rocks, which will add flair to your final project.
            Once at home, spread newspaper over your working surface. Layer the bottom of your terrarium with the gravel, about two inches deep. Over the gravel, spread some activated charcoal. Over the soil, add potting soil. After you add the plants, water with a spray bottle, to clean off the inside of the jar and moisten the soil
        Small ornamental rock and ceramic miniatures will add the designer touch to the finished project. Use a mister to moisten plants occasionally. Allow to dry out periodically, or your landscape might mold.