In Person: The Woodland Terrarium

image courtesy mia.judkins
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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.

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As the summer winds down and the few green patches of Brooklyn turn brown, it’s nice to have a garden indoors that thrives throughout the cold months and requires almost no care. The art of the terrarium has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly in the flea markets and boutiques that grace this borough, 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.

The woodland terrarium, with its leafy foliage, creeping moss, and heavy use of stones and bark, is perhaps the quintessential terrarium landscape. It also happens to be the landscape of New York City and its environs.

Learning techniques developed decades ago by master terrarium gardeners, you'll create your own woodland-style terrarium inside a container you bring with you, using plants, soil and materials provided.

Topics covered:
- a brief history of indoor gardening
- basic plant physiology
- different terrarium styles to mimic different environments
- choosing plants for your terrarium
- how to make your own tools using common household items
- principles of miniature landscaping
- how to care for your pet terrarium

Some terrarium choices include: mason and candle jars, small fishbowls and aquariums, vases, beakers and flasks, large drinking glasses and brandy snifters, cake stands and clear cookie jars, or just about any glass container 6 - 10 inches in diameter and at least 6 inches tall tight-fitting lid. Of course, if you happen to have an unused hand-blown glass terrarium just sitting around, this is the perfect opportunity to replant it.

 

For all in-person classes, you'll need to show proof of at least one vaccine dose. 

Cancellation policy