Gardens with Gram

Hello FairyFindr Fam! Today’s blog is an interview with an exceptional young man, Rowan, who got into fairy gardens with his grandma and continues caring for them as a way to connect with her even when she’s not around (he moved to another state). We met on Reddit after he saw one of my blog posts about being a man who loved fairy gardening 🧑‍🌾 .

After connecting and seeing several of the fairy gardens that they co-created, I was extremely eager to invite him to be a part of our blog here at FairyFindr.

(Fairy garden in a rectangular container made by Rowan and his grandmother in the year of 2018)

Please introduce yourself, pronouns (if you want), And leave any social links people can find you at here if you want people to be able to connect with you!

• Answer: Rowan-- you can connect with him here: ReasonablyReliable on Reddit.

When did your love for fairy gardens, miniatures, and fairytales begin? Please tell me your earliest defining memory involving fairy gardens or miniatures, and why did it captivate your imagination so well?

• Answer: My love started quite a few years ago, back when fairy gardens seemed to be the new popular hobby. My grandma had picked it up as a hobby to keep her busy during the summer while not teaching and I watched her make a couple before she invited me to help her with the planting of some plants she wanted added into a new pot. What started as helping in the garden for an afternoon turned into offering suggestions for where the little house would fit and before I knew it, I was helping her plan a whole scene for the pot involving two fairies having a picnic in their front yard. I remember having a nice sense of accomplishment and creative fulfillment as well as joy at having shared an experience with my grandma.

Could you share with us how you first got introduced to fairy gardens and what sparked your interest in them?

• Answer: I was technically first introduced to fairy gardens by seeing a few pictures float around the internet before my grandma ever picked it up. The idea definitely sparked my interest, as I'm a big fan of miniatures and planning town layouts for various DND groups with the dungeon master of my friend group after he painstakingly painted them. The same love extends to games like The Sims and Minecraft where I get a lot of creative freedom to build whatever I like. I sadly never took the leap to making them myself because at the time I was first introduced because I thought the idea of making anything with fairies was just to 'girly'. I was and still am a big fan of fantasy but for some reason, that was a line I couldn't cross on my own.

How did your grandmother play a role in your journey with fairy gardens? Could you tell us about some of the earliest memories you have of fairy gardening with her?

• Answer: Like I said before, my grandma was the person that helped me actually get into making fairy gardens. While the fairy part came later in life, I have earlier memories of helping her garden by watering her plants for her in the summertime. I didn't find it strange when she asked for help and was probably surprised when I stayed and gave suggestions for the layout. It started as me just attempting to connect with her through her newest hobby at the time and by the end, I was hooked, though I wouldn't start making fairy gardens on my own time for quite some time after my first one.

(Fairy garden in a large welded metal flower pot made by Rowan and his grandmother in 2019)

What was it about fairy gardens that made them such a special and bonding activity for you and your grandmother?

• Answer: I think this time was different because unlike some of my grandma's hobbies, this one lined up closer to my own interests. I never really got into hobbies like Sudoku or crosswords because I could never sit still long enough to engage with them, but being able to work with my hands to create something with her and I was able to apply skills I acquired from working with dnd miniatures.

How did your grandmother's involvement in fairy gardens influence your own passion for them? Did she teach you any specific techniques or share any wisdom that you still follow today.?

• Answer: She didn't teach me any specific secret techniques but she was the one who reminded me it is okay to like things regardless of my gender as long as I like it after I voiced some misgivings about liking 'girly' things and wanted to build my own personal garden at home. I don't have some profound quote from her; just that she took time to show the unconditional love and support. I sometimes joke with her that the only reason she convinced me to continue fairy gardening was so that she would have an excuse to see me and she is always quick to remind me of that conversation and that I can't hide that I'm having fun.

In what ways did your grandmother's presence and guidance impact your fairy garden creations? Did she have a signature style or approach that you've carried forward?

• Answer: Her presence impacted my creations because she is the one who first taught me how to make them. No matter how many Pinterest boards and YouTube videos I reference for inspiration, I always set up the gardens in the same order as it is what works for me. Her approach is usually to plan out a rough idea of what the garden will look like before planting the plants. She then put the houses down followed by any moss or rocks/gravel as a way of defining the different areas in the pots and planters. It helps each scene stand out more and offers more interest than leaving it as just dirt and moss. The fairies and accessories come last, and it is my favorite part because you get to see your village finally be populated and full of life.

(Fairy garden in a rectangular container made by Rowan and his grandmother in the year of 2017)

Could you describe the legacy your grandmother left behind in relation to fairy gardens? How has her influence shaped the way you continue to create and maintain them?

• Answer: Her main influence is how I approach making the gardens. She did teach me how to collect moss from her own backyard to add to the gardens, which is a lesson I use from time to time when I want to add moss to a garden. She has also been savvy at picking plants that would look good together but are different enough to stand out on their own. In the past, I have consulted her on ideas for what plants she thinks would go well together, and like always, she was right. I'm always inspired to make another or change an existing one anytime I see a new one she made. I do admit, the maintenance is my least favorite part as while I love having a scene to show off, I'm not the one with a green thumb like my grandma. Nothing a few fake succulents can't do to allow me keep working without worry and it is a lot easier to change scenes as I don't need to worry about stressing out the plants if I forget to water them, water them too much, or move them around.

What emotions arise when you think about the moments spent fairy gardening with your grandmother? How do those memories continue to inspire you today?

• Answer: At this point, fairy gardens are a source of nostalgia anytime I think about them because the thought of them is so closely linked in my brain. She is the only person I know, off the internet, that makes them and adding to the fact that she is the person that got me into the hobby, they will always remind me of her and our time making them together. Those memories usually inspire me to reach out to her in some way, whether to call or simply text her a meme. We don't live in the same state, so it is hard to really spend time with her. The days of being sent to her house during the summers or over and between college and work, I try to cherish what time we have together. Some how, we always end up working on a fairy garden together when I come to visit because it is one of the hobbies we share and at this point, it is sort of like a tradition.

Has the process of carrying on the fairy gardening tradition helped you cope with the distance between you two?

• Answer: The tradition does help me cope with the distance as I will always consider her house and presence home in some regard. I grew up in that house and she, along with my grandpa, helped my mom raise me. Their house is my childhood home. I just don't get to see her as much as I like as my mom married and her husband (my step-dad) moved us a few states away to be closer to his family. This happened when I was around 10, and every summer after the move I would be sent back to my grandparents to spend time with them.

(Fairy garden in a rectangular container made by Rowan[and his grandmother} in the year of 2017)

Do you feel a sense of connection or closeness with your grandmother when you're working on your fairy gardens now? If yes, how would you describe that feeling?

• Answer: Always! In my mind, fairy gardens are synonymous with her. The main feeling is nostalgia but there is also a simple joy that leads into excitement when I finish a garden as I can't wait to show her just the end product and usually send progress photos asking for her opinions and advice if I feel I need ideas. This hobby is something we share with each other and I hope I get the chance to share it with my kids, if I ever raise any in the future.

Have you introduced any new elements or techniques in your fairy gardens that your grandmother has appreciated or enjoyed?

• Answer: Yes! The idea that the gardens don't just need to be in pots. Admittedly, I stole the idea from Pinterest, but it is fun seeing what ideas she started getting after realizing any container could be a fairy garden. Old wheel barrel, A fake wishing well, and even a tiered cake platter has been turned into various fairy gardens.

Do you have a favorite fairy garden that you've created in honor of your grandmother? If so, what makes it particularly special or meaningful?

• Answer: I haven't made any in her honor, though I do plan to make one when she dies. I imagine it will be cathartic and help with the grieving. Fingers crossed she has a couple of decades left in her!

How has your involvement with fairy gardens and your grandmother's influence impacted other aspects of your life? Has it sparked any new interests or hobbies?

• Answer: Her getting me into fairy gardens was the push I needed to start exploring other 'girly' activities I had been interested in but ashamed of interacting with on the prospect that 'boys don't do ____' and 'boys don't play with ____'. I was always more masculine leaning when I was a child and was afraid liking 'girly' things would make the other kids bully me. She helped me get over those hang ups and nowadays I allow myself to indulge in whatever I like, regardless of the gender assigned to it.

Have you shared your fairy gardening journey and your connection with your grandmother with others? If so, how have they responded, and has it brought you closer to others in any way?

• Answer: I tried introducing fairy garden making with my little sibling, but she hasn't seemed to have taken to it as I have. That is okay, since we bond in other ways but other than showing off the finished products, or rambling on about newest ideas to my friends, I never really shared the hobby with anyone. I have always thought of it as something special between me and my grandma but I hope I can find someone in the future who I can share the joy of creation with through the medium of fairy gardens.

(Fairy garden in a rectangular container made by Rowan[and his grandmother} in the year of 2017)

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in starting their own fairy garden but may not know where to start or want to make one alone?

• Answer: Start by looking at inspiration to get a feel for what you might like. There are plenty of fantastic examples online to reference. Also, remember you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on fairy garden supplies and plants. I have had a lot of luck simply going to Goodwill, and other consignment stores, and finding cute things to add to a fairy garden. All you need is a bit of imagination. Kids toys come in handy for filling out the space, and if you need ideas on how to repurpose human objects into something a fairy may use, I recommend watching the Tinkerbell movies made by Disney. They are very creative and just plain fun to watch. You can also get a set of fairy garden pieces from Dollar General this time of year for 5 dollars containing a few pieces. They also sell individual pieces if you want more. Hobby/Craft stores like Micheal’s carries fairy garden things as well as garden centers but those tend to be a bit expensive and not at all necessary.

Have you considered expanding your fairy garden creations beyond your personal collection? Would you ever consider sharing them with a wider audience or teaching others how to create their own?

• Answer: I once had a friend tell me I should sell some of the fairy gardens I make but other than that, I never really considered making fairy garden other than for personal use and as the occasional gift. I've tried teaching my younger sibling how to make them, but she wasn't interested and my friends are usually only interested in the final creation.

How has the process of fairy gardening and honoring your grandmother's memory changed or evolved over time? Have you discovered new aspects or depths to the experience?

• Answer: I have definitely gained a healthy appreciation for gardeners as through fairy gardening, I have learned how fragile some plants are. I commend anyone who can keep them alive. It's just another reason I admire my grandma because unlike me, she has patience and consideration required in normal gardening. Over time, I learned how to use fake plants in my gardens and it has made a world of a difference in the longevity of my gardens.

(Fairy garden in a rectangular container made by Rowan and his grandmother in the year of 2018)

What do you hope to achieve or convey through your fairy garden creations moving forward? Is there a particular message or feeling you aim to share with those who encounter your gardens?

• Answer: I never really thought of it, but fairy gardens are just another form of art, aren't they? Until now, I've just made them with no message in mind but if I had to say there was one, it would be to "Pay attention to the little things. You never know what wonderful moments you miss by not focusing on what is right in front of you and really taking a chance to appreciate it, both how it is now and what led you to the present as it is now."

Are there any specific elements or themes you incorporate into your fairy gardens that hold a special significance or remind you of your grandmother?

• Answer: Fantasy! I always try to incorporate a fantasy creature of some kind in every garden I make, usually a unicorn and/or a dragon. My grandma is who helped foster my love in fantasy when I was younger by helping me fall in love with fiction. As a teacher, she knew just how to get me to love reading as a child and I attribute my love of fantasy to her.

What do you think you grandmother would say about your fairy gardens and the way you've continued her legacy?

• Answer: With her being alive, I know for fact she appreciates that I carry on her love of fairy gardens. I wonder if she would still be making them if she was the only one making them. As it stands today, we both continue to share our work with each other.

(A garden Rowan made over the course of a month using a terrarium got on clearance from Target. The bottom is filled with a layer of clay balls to act as a drainage layer followed by a layer of topsoil. Unknown plants including moss are planted in and then the final touches of cork bark and leaves are added to add and outdoorsy feel where the fairy garden pieces are finally added with a mushroom theme. When asking grandma her opinion, she stated: "I love it". Finished in June of 2023)

Do you have any gardens that have remained untouched since she and you worked on it?

• Answer: No fairy garden remains truly untouched forever. The ones with live plants need to be maintained through watering and pruning to keep the gardens looking nice and the ones with fake plants need to be dusted from time to time. It is always nice to work on them as it always brings back the memory of working on them together.

Please feel free to share anything else you like about miniatures or fairy gardens and any future ideas, plans, or goals for future mini gardens!!

• Answer: I already have a plan to make another fairy garden, this time in a glass terrarium I got from Target. It was a bit of an impulse buy when I got it so I'm still planning on what I actually want to put in there, but there is room for a small house and accessories as well as plants. I don't want to overdo it.

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WOW! What an exhilarating interview- I’m truly touched! Thank you, Rowan, for joining the FairyFindr fam today- we truly enjoyed learning about your enchanting entry into the folklore and fairy gardening!

How special is it that our friend Rowan here got into the hobby with his grandmother- so wholesome!

Please leave a comment or message below and let us know how YOU got started in fairy gardening! We can’t wait to hear your stories!! If you want to be a part of the blog and do your own fairytale interview of your dreams. Please feel free to find all our links on our LinkTree or connect on our FairyFindr Website, OR email me at FairyFindr@gmail.com

May the fairies bless you,

Alex the FairyFindr // Marvelous Magical Miniatures