Alpine Terrariums for the Holidays
Taught by Ben DiMatteo
A true fan of the woods, Ben has logged hundreds of miles solo and group trekking particularly on trails that can be reached from the city by public transportation. His youth in scouting and many adult years spent rediscovering the lost art of woodcraft provide a tried-and-true wealth of knowledge that can't be gleaned from gear reviews or recreation store salespeople. Though he hasn't thru-hiked the AT, he's sure he could.
When in the city, Ben brings the great outdoors inside and teaches several classes on how to make and keep terrariums.
Brooklyn is the land of brilliant artisans and crafters, but it's also the land of uncompromising do-it-yourselfers. This holiday season you could easily purchase an elegant terrarium for your loved ones at a plethora of boutiques and flea market stalls around the city. But with a few simple tools and some choice plants, you could make your own tiny container garden that will rival any you could purchase ready-made. And what better theme for a holiday terrarium than the striking but seldom-seen alpine landscape?
In this three-hour course you'll make your own alpine terrarium inside a container you bring with you, using plants, soil and materials provided by us. With techniques inspired mostly by 70's-era illustrations and common sense, you'll learn how to use miniature plants and rocks to create a sense of depth and scale befitting a mountain landscape.
For those who have not taken one of my terrarium class before, there is a BYOC (bring your own container) policy. This can be just about any glass container 4 - 8 inches in diameter and at least 6 inches tall, with a tight-fitting lid. You could look as far away as an e-bay listing in Australia or as close to home as your own recycling bin, but you might find something more inspiring at a local thrift shop or flea market.
Some terrarium choices include: mason and candle jars, small fishbowls, vases, beakers and flasks, large drinking glasses and brandy snifters, cake stands, clear cookie jars, milk bottles, etc. Of course, if you happen to have an unused hand-blown glass terrarium just sitting around, this is the perfect opportunity to replant it.