Gnome and Fairy Gardens — the gardens anyone can grow!

I will be the first to admit it. I do NOT have a green thumb. I always dreamed of having a flourishing garden in my yard, booming with blooms and herbs. So far, I am too intimidated to begin. So, until the day I feel compelled to dive in and really get going on that dream, I am starting small and doing something fun and creative with the kids in the yard.

Gnome and fairy gardens are all the rage in our local garden stores, so I thought it would be the perfect project for us, we all loved it.  The best part is that it can cost as little or as much as your budget allows and you can always add on over time.

First things first — come up with a theme. For us, we chose gnomes and wanted a water bridge theme.  I found an adorable decorative water bridge at Garden Ridge (I mean, seriously, this thing is so cute!) That was the pricey part, but also the item that ties everything together. After that you can cut corners on what you add on. Here is a break down of how we created our whimsical gnome village:

1. Bridge – $50 at Garden Ridge

2. Six bags of blue glass beads to create a water under the bridge effect – $6 at Dollar Tree

3. Wooden houses (you know, for the gnomes to retire to after a long day of being precious) – $2 at Joann Fabrics

4. Paint for the kids to decorate the houses – $2 at Joann Fabrics

5. Ornamental items (bicycle, wishing well, mushrooms and fencing) – $40 at Hobby Lobby and Garden Ridge

6. Gnomes – Ranging in price from $5-$30 depending on size and if you happen to have a handy dandy coupon. My favorite selection is at Hobby Lobby and they have weekly 40% off coupons in their printed ad or online.

7.  Stepping stones leading to our grassy area (in case the gnomes get bored) – $3 at Dollar Tree

If you are leaning toward a fairy garden, there are $20 kits available at Walmart — that includes a fairy and decor. My sister in law recently put a fairy garden in her retaining wall area, but large decorative buckets are another idea for giving your existing garden a unique and colorful touch.

Instead of greenery, add some scenery to your backyard. A gnome or fairy garden will be the topic of conversation at every backyard party you have from now on!