Fairy Gardens

A look into the enchanted world of Fairy Gardens

Toadstool Fairy garden lights

Magic toadstools. Pixie dust. Elves & fairies hiding in the woodland glen. Such is the enchanted world of Fairy Gardens.

It is thanks to the wonderful imaginations of my beautiful grand-daughters that this element of magic has crept into my garden.

From the addition of a simple saphire blue marble beneath the fronds of a delicate fern, to doorways hidden in tree trunks, my garden has become a hide-away for mythical creatures of all kinds.

So whether it is a Unicorn you are hoping to entice into your private sanctuary, or you are looking for your Prince Charming in the guise of a frog, HAVE FUN, and let your imagination run wild. You never know when you might find that hidden pot of gold at the end of a sparkling summer rainbow!



History of Fairies:

Fairy people are thought to have descended from the race of Elves. Elves are an ancient race of magical, slender creatures with pointed ears thought to be extinct. Unlike fairies, they lack the ability to fly, which may have made the fairies a more adaptable race. Elves were once very closely associated with the land and with nature and fairies took over many of their roles in this tradition. Fairies are now air, water, fire and tree spirits...

Throughout most of the former celtic nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Germany, the fairies are becoming things of the past. Even though fairies are commonly believed to exist today, from the eighteenth century and on they have been seen less and less. Once firmly ensconced in the minds of men, the fairies may now be in decline. That people do not often see them any more makes some argue that the fairies will eventually disappear as men stop believing in them."

Excerpt from History of Fairies: The Art of Bronwen Skye

Creating Your Own Fairy Garden  -  How to Begin

I have found Fairy Gardens to be a never-ending source of joy. Whether large or small, indoors or out, all you need is a bit of imagination in order to begin.

My first endeavor into the magical realm was very simple... a hidden doorway on a tree. Almost completely obscured by the leaves of a nearby hosta, and framed by some lily-of-the-valley, the doorway simply appeared one morning - much to the delight of the "wee folk".

Fairy Garden Doorway

It's as simple as that to begin.

From there, let inspiration guide you. Add a bit of garden statuary under a tree. Set a toad house under a bush in a damp, shady corner. Sprinkle some fairy dust along an imaginary path to the home of the Fairy Queen. And be sure to get a new perspective on things by getting down low to the ground and looking under leaves. After all, you never know where you might find a Unicorn sleeping in the shade.

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Items for your Fairy Garden

Please click on the image for more details

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Fun Fairy Activities

Fairy in the garden

Once you have created some hiding places in your garden for these tiny, winged guests, you might want to give your special fairy land a name. Preschoolers are a great help here!

And don't forget to send out invitations to local fairies, sprites, elves, wood nymphs, gnomes, and magical creatures of all sorts. They love to party and are always willing to celebrate a new haven for the "wee folk".

Whether you choose to have a real party with little children in your area, or this is entirely imaginary, glitter and sparkle on hand-written invitations to mythical creatures, and a special tea party are fun ways to spend an afternoon.

The only thing that has stymied me in the past has been the menu. Gnomes and trolls are great.... they will eat anything. But those little woodsprites have preferences for the unusual. 

Most, however, will eat "ants on a log" (celery stick filled with peanut butter and then studded with raisins). They also love to drink sparkling red nectar - cranberry cocktail with a touch of Sprite for bubbles. Just make sure the fairies don't have too much, because the bubbles go to their heads and then they fly funny.

What's a party without amazing food? Here are some spectacular recipes from around the world guaranteed to please the fussiest little fairy or sprite.

From easy creations the kids can help with, to an adult recipe that's best saved for after the party, let your imagination run free and have fun as you enjoy tasting these wonderful creations.

Fairy Food - Recipes

• Nasturtium Fairy Nectar
  Your little Fairy will love serving this enchanting drink at her next midsummer night's garden party. It is also a refreshing little treat for her after a long day of chasing dragonflies and butterflies by the pond.
  
  
• Fairy Tale Apple Pie
  Apple pie so good you'll tell yourself a fairy tale about how all the calories have been magically cooked out so you can have a second piece. Although time consuming, this prize-winning recipe (originally printed in a newspaper) is delicious with an adult sauce that is optional.
  
  
• Lavender Fairy Cakes
  These delightful little cakes are easy to make and are ideal for gifts, high tea, picnics and parties. The recipe was created for the Lavender Trust, a British charity for young women with breast cancer.
  
  
• Fairy Bread
  A popular treat at children's parties in Australia. So simple even the kids can make it.
  
  
• Butterfly Cakes or Fairy Cakes
  An absolute must for ANY children's party or even dare I say, adult parties too... weddings, girls night's in, showers, pajama parties & sleep overs, retro buffets, etc. You can definitely expect these to FLY off the plate!
  
  
• Fairy Bell's Fried Chicken
  Every self respecting Southern lady must have the perfect recipe for fried chicken and Fairy Bell claims this one. The cooking time includes marinating in a brine overnight.
  
  
• Green Fairy Caliente Chocolate
  Complex, luscious hot chocolate that will put that special green spark in the eyes of your decadent beloved. This one is NOT for the kids!  :o)
  
  
• Fairy-Tale Mushrooms
  So cute - and healthy too! Made with tomatoes, eggs & spinach. You'll be surprised how they turn out!
  
  
• Fairy Tale Wands
  This is such a simple thing to do. Ideal for your fairy garden tea party.
  
  
• Green Fairy Smoothie
  A unique smoothie made with avocado!
  
  
• Cherry Fairy Cakes
  Yummy little cakes. Loved by all my family. The recipe was found in a booklet published for a childrens' school as a fund raiser.
  
  
• Fairy Milk
  This is one that your kids will absolutely adore.
  
  
• Fairy Mushrooms
  Expensive to buy, but quite easy to make. And absolutely delicious to eat!
  
  

Fairy Cakes

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