by Paula Hayes

Years ago I saw an art installation by Kiki Smith called "Reconstructing the Moon" that was just stunning. She had created a natural environment in a gallery--etches of moonscapes, a video of deer running, birds' nests woven from strands glass and large glass balls filled with living plants.

Whenever I see terrariums, I think of that exhibition. I loved it in part because it was fragmented and so each element was self contained. It was also transporting--to a fairy tale or to a forest. That's part of the terrarium's appeal. It's a mysterious little microclimate that makes you think of jungles or deserts. Another appeal is that they are very self-sustaining. The moisture creates it's own "rain cycle" so they rarely need to be watered and many do well in low light.

The earliest versions of the terrarium were known as Wardian cases, as they were created by Nathaniel Ward, an English physician and botanist. They were used to transport rare plants across continents and climate zones.

A contemporary artist who is well known for making the terrarium her medium is Paula Hayes. Using glass with interesting, organic shapes she layers colors and textures to create much sought after tiny landscapes that fetch $8,000.00 to $22,000.00.

But anyone can take artistic license. First, you need to find the right glass container. While an old mayonnaise jar will work, technically, I decided to purchase a few. If I lived around estate sales, I'd hit them. But here are a few options that are out there.

Planted Terrarium at Sprout Home

Cloches at Sprout Home

Wardian Terrarium at Shop at the New York Botanical Garden

Terrariums and Cloches at Shop at the New York Botanical Garden

Covered Terrariums at Smith and Hawken.