Paradise in a Tray

With a seed tray you can make almost any garden you desire in minature. These little gardens can make your desk look less drab, or add some joy to your coffee table. Another fun idea might be to create a version of your actual garden in miniature and put it in a prominent place in said garden, as a kind of green mise en abyme, which would likely delight anyone who noticed it. 

What might you need to get to make your seed tray garden? First things first, you’re going to need to get a seed tray deep enough to contain your creation. And don’t go mixing up plug trays with seed trays. Plug trays have compartments that can hinder the flow of your design. Staples of schoolroom craft, like wooden dowels and lolly sticks are very useful for building little structures like model pagodas and sheds, they also make nice pathways. If you don’t confident building your own structures, there are a number of items for dollhouse gardens to choose from.

For grass, a bit of miniature turf can go a long way, this is better than using real grass because it is easier to shape and of course it stays green. Moss is an alternative natural way to make a tiny lawn as well, just remember to keep it under control. 

Now we’ve covered the lawn and landscaping part, it’s time to look at what plants may be good for small gardens. Mini cactuses can survive with little water and in tough conditions and so can sedums so they're a great bet. Saxifrage is very pretty and works well if you want a splash of floral colour. All you have to do is avoid plants with huge leaves or blooms and use a dash of imagination.