Wednesday 14 October 2015

Terrariums: Gardens Under Glass

When I was asked if I'd like to review Terrariums: Gardens Under Glass by Maria Colletti I thought, why not? I remember being fascinated by these miniature gardens growing in bottles as a child, though it's something I've never had a go at myself so I thought I might learn something along the way.


It's a great book for beginners as it's split in to chapters which give information on everything you need to get started and more besides. The chapters are Terrarium Design, The Basics, The Glass Vessels, Getting Started, The Plants, Modern Indoor Gardening and Maintenance.


I enjoyed the chapter on vessels, terrariums have come a long way since those glass bottles in the 70s, there's no limit to the glass containers which can be used to house the plants. It goes on to explain which plants are best to use in which type of vessel and why.


There's step by step instructions on how to create the terrarium of your choice with lots of photos to help.


Though there's very little plant care required for a terrarium, the maintenance chapter ensures that your terrarium will go on flourishing and looking good.


It's a great resource for beginners but I'm sure the book would also appeal to others who have some experience of terrariums as so much information is covered. No matter our level of expertise, we can all go on and learn more.

Terrariums: Gardens Under Glass officially releases on 15th October 2015 and is published by Cool Springs Press.

If you fancy a copy of this book, the publishers are offering a copy as a giveaway prize. Just leave a comment on this post before noon on Wednesday 21st of October 2015, after which, a name will be drawn at random. Please note that this giveaway is open to UK/EU only and that I will be passing on the winner's name and address details to the publishing company in order for them to send out your prize.

To order Terrariums at the discounted price of £12.99 including p&p* (RRP: £15.99), telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk and quote the offer code APG374. 

*UK ONLY - Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas. 
 

24 comments:

  1. Sounds very complicated, but fun. I still haven't even figured out how to use my oven! (To my credit, we only got it Friday and it has all kinds of crazy features.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the book shows that terrariums are far from complicated, once set up they don't need much attention. Ovens, on the other hand, well yes, I remember when I got a new one, they take some time to work out.

      Delete
  2. A good review of a fascinating subject, albeit one that I don't think I would ever take up.
    Please don't enter me in this giveaway. Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've always wondered about terrariums having seen lots of them growing up, they were all the rage back then. It seems they're coming back in to fashion again, though they seem a little more stylish these days.

      Delete
  3. Wow, great book, please add me into the drawer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a great book for beginners, I'll certainly add your name.

      Delete
  4. Well Cheers Good Life! Thanks for telling the folks in the UK about Terrarium Life. I tweet and instagram with many fabulous folks in London that are terrarium masters! Hope they see the blog post too! Have a great day. Maria Colletti, author

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting and for your comment. I've enjoyed taking a look at the book and hope the winner of the giveaway does too.

      Delete
  5. Sounds like a wonderful book - I've made an note so that I can check it out. This summer my mom actually gave me a round terrarium, much like the one in the center of the last photo, and I really no idea how to take care of it, other than a bit of water once in while. It would be nice if it could not only survive, but thrive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must do a post about your terrarium, I'm sure all your readers would love to see it. I saw lots of them back in the 70s but they seem to be coming back in to fashion again now.

      Delete
  6. I've never had a terrarium myself, but I gave one to my brother as a gift many years ago, and it's still going strong. My interest was sparked the other day when I saw a couple of terrariums in one of the NGS Open Gardens. They were "antique" ones and looked very attractive. Please will you enter me into the draw?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't had one either. How lovely that the gift you gave to your brother is still thriving, that's a gift which goes on giving. Of course I'll enter you into the draw.

      Delete
  7. Oh wow I remember them from my childhood I think we had one for a while, not sure what happened to it tho........

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too, I've never had one though. I think they're making a comeback in a big way.

      Delete
  8. I have always thought these look great, but never had one. Nice to read about them though.
    Please do not include me in the draw.

    Enjoy the rest of your week.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy seeing them too. Who knows, this book might just tempt me into giving one a go.

      Delete
  9. So inspiring! I should try to make terrarium soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think they look great and are low maintenance too. I'm sure the book will help anyone who fancies having a go at one.

      Delete
  10. I once had a little garden in a large glass container. I think are used mainly ferns. Also one Christmas I planted up several goldfish bowls with miniature African violets and gave them away as presents they looked very cute.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think they could make lovely gifts for people, I'd be very happy if I got an African violet in a glass container.

      Delete
  11. I have always been fascinated by Terrariums, and this book certainly sounds interesting....I'd love to go into the hat!xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a fascinating subject, I've enjoyed learning more about it from the book. I've popped your name in the hat.

      Delete
  12. Good review, Jo. I've made terrariums but they don't last many years for me. Maybe I should read up on them to see what I do wrong. Wish I could participate in the drawing. P. x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perhaps you'll be able to find this book in the library, the section on maintenance is good if you're having problems keeping them going. Sorry I can't add your name to the draw.

      Delete

 
!-- Start of StatCounter Code for Blogger / Blogspot -->