For the uninitiated, we start with a definition: Fairy Gardens—also called enchanted gardens—are minuscule plots that include live plants, tiny statues, and other accessories such as furniture, fountains, or swings. They’re constructed indoors or out from items you already own, purchased from a store, or things you find: pine cones, sticks, stones, miniature decorations. Maybe pumpkins!
In a small plot of soil next to the entrance to the Hornbeam building, you will find Wake Robin’s newest sitework…our very own Fairy Garden. The garden’s creator, Sue G., worked her way up to this fantasy project through her lifelong interest in gardening.
Through two previous house moves, Sue said she missed the greenspaces she had cultivated over the years and left behind. Coming to Wake Robin, she quickly volunteered to work as a helper with our landscape crew. Her tasks included weeding and dead-heading gardens around Hornbeam; then she thought she might try something more whimsical.
Sue had made a small Fairy Garden in a pot when she lived in Maine, and that gave her the idea to transform a larger area at her new home into something fun. She adopted a space that was mostly mulch and adapted it for a more playful use. She transplanted some items from overgrown areas and added a few Fairy touches such as doors, fencing, flagstones, and small figures.
At first, Sue wondered if other residents and staff would appreciate her effort or even approve of it. Then she found other people making little additions to her Fairy Garden…another small plant, three ceramic dogs, personal touches that added up to group participation. Residents from Maple have made the trek up the hill to Hornbeam to see for themselves. Sue says the “unintended celebrity” surprised her.
If you are looking for inspiration to start your own Fairy Garden, Sue is happy to consult. She’ll even sign an autograph!
