Dish gardens are a great project for kids and adults, plus they make wonderful gifts! I did a little checking and a purchased dish garden from a florist will run you $40-$50 for a medium sized display. Not only is this expensive, but the ones I saw really lacked a personal touch. Dish gardens are not permanent-they will become overcrowded in a year or less BUT at this point the plants can be repotted and a new dish garden can be created. Why not write up a nice instruction sheet and include it with your gift, so the person you give it to can make their own next time?

You will need a container that will hold at least three inches of soil, and have room enough for the plants you want to include without crowding them. You'll need to start with about an inch of pebbles or gravel in the bottom of the container-aquarium gravel will work nicely. (Mix in a little charcoal for freshness if you wish.) The soil should be a mixture of potting soil and either sand, peat moss or vermiculite-a half and half mix.

About the Author:
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer and mom to three kids living in the Midwest. For more gardening fun visit her at Old Fashioned Living

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