The New Terrarium: Creating Beautiful Displays for Plants and Nature

by Tovah Martin, Kindra Clineff (Photographer)

If you live in the city but want to be close to nature . . .
If you call the countryside home but have no time to step outside . . .
If you are confined to an office fifty hours a week . . .
If your home needs the soothing touch of the natural world . . .

In The New Terrarium, Tovah Martin, one of America’s favorite gardeners, introduces you to the whimsical yet practical world of gardens under glass—a no-fuss way to bring snippets of nature indoors. Wherever you are, in whatever little time you have, terrariums are the perfect tool for nature lovers and gardeners everywhere.

With gorgeous photography, The New Terrarium reveals how this classic garden tool has been reimagined in a modern way. When encased in glass, plants thrive with almost no help from outside their little enclosed world, so you can host a plant almost anywhere—in your apartment where the air is dry or in your cubicle where there’s little natural light. Tucked inside something crystal and contained, the bounty of the forest or treasures from the beach or the meadow can merge seamlessly into your home or office environment. It’s amazing how some frothy fern fronds or colorful blossoms can transform a room by giving it a burst of vibrant green life.

With clear, simple step-by-step instructions and photographs to inspire and guide you along the way, Martin shares her years of experience growing and tending terrariums and shows how terrariums can enrich your life, including:

• different venues for cultivating your terrarium
• plants that flourish in these gardens under glass
• ideas and designs for creating your first terrarium
• how to care for and maintain the environment you’ve made

Martin has designed a unique range of imaginative terrarium projects, including ones that are suitable for children, enliven the seasons, incorporate plant propagation, and show off a nature collection. Whether you are a gardener or city-dwelling nature lover, The New Terrarium is the perfect way to spark your creativity, while helping you to bring your favorite plants into your home and giving them a place to thrive.

When nature is out of arm’s reach and you crave a little greenery, The New Terrarium can show you how to bring all the benefits of the outdoors close to you.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Reference, Nature, Crafts, Adult, Plants

176 pages, Hardcover

First published February 5, 2009

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tovah Martin always writes a great detailed reference book- the ideas are not the tired 70's idea of terrariums. Countless ideas ,great plant lists, and clear instructions. You can't look at a glass container anymore witout thinking of what you can do with it.
This was a really helpful book that relayed a lot of information I did not know about terrariums, and the creation of a terrarium garden. I found a site that sells the terrarium but I needed to know information on what to put in the terrarium and this book did so. Great Book! If anyone is looking for terrariums check out [...] that's where I found mine and they have a fast and helpful customer service.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Subtitle should be: Now you, too, can put a glass cloche over an already-potted plant!

I gave this book three stars because in aspects it deserves one star and in other aspects it deserves 3.

One star aspects:
The terrariums themselves. You know, THOSE THINGS FOR WHICH THE BOOK IS NAMED. I don't know, maybe you've chanced to notice the cover. Perhaps you've said to yourself, "huh, that looks pretty much like a normally potted orchid placed in a glass apothecary jar." I said to myself the same, but thought perhaps the more elaborate/interesting/inspiring terrariums would be inside the book...like maybe Tovah wanted to keep the cover simple; uncluttered. But apparently Tovah truly believes that inspiring terrariums are potted plants neatly placed in glass container. Or--to get really creative!--an airplant in a martini glass on a bedside table.

Three star aspects:
There is some good information, such as a lengthy list of plants that work well in terrariums (and sometimes she even specifies closed or open terrariums, which is helpful), and some pretty good assembly instructions (though you can find equally good instructions on the internet)

Unfortunately for Tovah, when I first got the book I happened to open right to the section on where to place your terrarium so it receives adequate light to grow. Then I saw these sentences: "The suggestions here are aimed at terrariums with plants. If your case is filled with nonplant treasures from the forest--in other words, inanimate objects--then it's not necessary to concern yourself with the details of positioning in relation to light sources, and so on."
"What a fascinating and insightful tidbit of information, Tovah!" I chortled aloud, "So my rock treasures from the forest don't need light to thrive?". Of course, my initial instinct was to laugh heartily and point out the ridiculous sentence to everyone I knew. But then I remember the agonizing trial of writing my thesis and the antics of trying to add 45 more words here or there. So rather than laugh at Tovah's expense, I must rather sympathize, and know that I would have done the exact same thing. And perhaps, at one time or another, we have all done the exact same thing.

[Teal Veyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a ton! This was a great guide for absolute newbies. As other reviewers have mentioned, this book does have a lot of potted plants just stuck under cloche jars. It's definitely not a book for anyone looking to make a complex terrarium, but it's a decent jumping point for people starting from square one.

[jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I might have a problem with my terrarium obsession, but I make no apologies. I just love keeping plants in glass. I waited almost patiently for the public library to finish all their acquisition processes with this book so I could read it first. While I didn't learn anything new from this book, and I recommend some of the old 1970s terrarium books for more in-depth how-to's and plant recommendations, I felt like this book was perfectly adequate in jump-starting someone's interest in keeping plants in glass. There are a lot of beautiful and inspirational photographs of several styles of both modern & vintage terrarium, cloches, and wardian cases. If I owned this book, I would probably spend hours flipping through the pages and caressing the beautiful pics. There is a really, really adorable gardening gnome in the "seasonal" section (he is on the "spring" page).

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was watching the news one day and it had a short segment on terrariums and it mentioned "The New Terrarium" book by:Tova Martin and that it how I came to read this book. Did you know that terrariums were popular in the 70's and 80's and after 20+ years they are back. But then again there are a lot of things that are back from the 70's and 80's.
This book shows you types of terrariums to use from something so small as a martini glass to a fish bowl or a lantern cloche (heavy-duty, many paned, portable, pyramid-shaped box) or a cloche (large glass dome made to be clamped over plants in inhospitably chilly weather, curvaceous solid glass unit that looks like an oversize glass bell) or a wardian case (a glass-(or glass-like plastic or acrylic) enclosed house) Look like miniature greenhouses.
The book also gives you some names of plants and the types of plants to use. I liked the pictures on page...
111-glass window block-I have one that I would like to turn into a terrarium. Right night it is used as a night light (has miniature lights inside. I think it would look better with plants inside instead.
126-miniature palm trees. I didn't even know they existed. reminds me of our trip to Florida a few years back.
159-a volkswagon bug is in this one with a little trellis. I thought of my husband when I saw this. He likes VW bugs.
I've got a couple of ideas in mind. I would like to find a couple of wardian cases.

[Estella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I grew up with terrariums--my mom loved them, and I helped her take care of them. It has long been my goal to bring a little bit of heaven (nature) indoors by making one of my own--hence, the purchase of this book. It did not disappoint, with great step-by-step instructions, plant suggestions and container ideas. Who knew that a tall glass candy jar (now residing proudly on my windowsill) purchased for a song at Ross could be recycled into a happy home for an orchid? I am now in hot pursuit of a glass cloche to house a begonia I have my eye on. Joy, joy, joy!

[Freedom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I had a glass factory to churn out terrarium containers.

[Pastel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a step-by-step guide, but rather a lot of in-depth information about choosing and caring for plants that can be put under glass. There were too many photographs of potted plants under cloches for my taste, rather than terrariums being built from top to bottom.

I wouldn't recommend this for people just starting out, but if you have some experience and a real passion for this craft, this is a solid (but dry) introduction to plant options.

(The author doesn't consider cacti to be terrariums, but gives good advice on african violets.)

[Zahnii (Suzanne) Artis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited to try some terrariums!! I really didn’t understand the sort of science behind them and this book was the perfect introduction. The plant chapter was extremely helpful and I hope to start with begonias, ferns and ivy. I bought a bunch of glassware of different shapes from thrift stores and also some makeshift lids and have made three very simple ones. Excited to do more. Highly recommend this practical and visually appealing book.

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, it is helpful and I like to read it from time to time for tips.
Some things have worked for me, wile others have not,. but just like most DIY and books like this, there is no "fix all", and the more info you have and the more times you try something out, the better whatever you are working on will turn out.

[Ava · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was trying to learn about how to grow indoor plants when I read this book and it looked interesting but it actually didn’t tell you about how to grow the plants just how to arrange terrariums and didn’t end up helping me.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is thorough both in terms of creative containers AND plant material. So often a book like this is all about aesthetics and doesn't include solid horticultural information. Plus, I love her writing.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helps you understand the pros and cons of creating and keeping terrariums. It explains the ideas behind them and how they can furnish you with beautiful green windows all year round. I found the book inspiring and helpful!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice reference but lacking in information for design and not enough pictures not enough descriptions for the (gorgeous) pictures that were included.

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ter·rar·i·um  [tuh-rair-ee-uhm]
1. a glass container, chiefly or wholly enclosed, for growing and displaying plants.
2. a glass container, often a globe, in which plants are grown.

No one is certain when terrariums first began. Ms. Martin points out that the concept was probably in use during the 1600's. In 1830, by accident, Dr. Nathaniel Ward took it a step further when he slipped a moth pupa in a glass bottle and plugged it with a cork. Little did he know at the time but a fern started to grow in the enclosed environment. Roughly six months later this fern plus a tuft of grass were healthy and he hadn't done anything to encourage their growth. By 1841 he had published his findings, presented a scientific paper and started to develop more elaborate glass homes or 'Wardian cases' as they would become known.

Very popular with the Victorian people at the time, this fad took off by leaps and bounds. Fast forward to the 1970's and a resurgence of this special form of gardening became popular again. Terrariums, tye-dying, and macrame were some of the 'crafts' people worked on. But we were limited in what we thought we could make. When you refer to any of the older books on this subject they always showed a definitive amount of ideas.

Okay, so what you can see by reading the definitions above, copied directly from a dictionary, is that one statement refers to glass containers that are sealed and the second one just says glass containers in which plants are grown....nothing about that they have to be enclosed.

What I enjoyed about THE NEW TERRARIUM was just that...it gave you NEW ideas for terrariums. It stretched the boundaries to include plants in open containers that could not survive a humid environment. It showed you how to use a simple plant and pot with a glass cover. Nothing elaborate but a great idea for a beginner. In a nutshell, you are not limited to coming up with new ideas. Is the book perfect? No. But I have personally used this as a reference for building thirteen terrariums, all of them unique.

Lastly, a special thanks should be given to the photographer, Kindra Clineff, for some awesome pictures. They are clear, concise and colorful. Without these fantastic images the book would only be half as good.

[Rupert Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this Terrarium manuel in about five days due to wanting to create my first Terrarium. This book is a fine introduction to the spirit of designing, tending and caring for Terrariums. Stamped with ornate pictures of contemporary Terrariums, you'll find as an introduction and inspiration to beginning your own projects, it serves its purpose perfectly. It lists suitable plants to look out for, and provides ideas for housing your miniature worlds. It's a relaxed written overview of the whole Terrarium scene, admittedly it doesn't probe into more eccentric or historical aspects of creating these petite turfs but it certainly allows a plot of informatively written conversation about the subject that will surely send you on your merry way (Apart from Wardian Cases and Cloches of which she digs a little deeper into).

I enjoyed the language used by the author Tovah, especially when describing the various suitable plants, I found it specific enough to be able to possibly recognise some of the flora at my local nursery without having had to view a picture from the book, and her creative expression makes the whole process delectably inviting.

So from this book, I was inspired enough to visit my local Opportunity Shop, and select a few decadent cloches and tureen like items, pop up to my nursery and select a desirable summer bloom, and create a Terrarium which now sits for contemplative inspection whilst I do the washing up in the kitchen.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

First-timer here. There's already a lot of information online about terrariums, but unfortunately it often involves tacky figurines and other plastic decorations, Froot Loops-colored gravel and the likes. Not what I tend to aim for.

In comparison, this book respects and glorifies natural settings, covers all the basic info needed to get started and does a fine job at making it look easy. Great ideas and great photographs, always in good taste. It would benefit from a more thorough coverage of the plant species it recommends, in my opinion, but given the general quality feel of this book it's something I'm actually inclined to forgive.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up a glass terrarium this spring for free at a swap, and have already killed one plant in it.

I decided a book on the topic would be a good idea. They're unusually not that easy to find. I grabbed this one at the library, and was very pleased with it. It's perfect for someone who knows nothing about terrariums (like what plants will and won't live within one) and it gives lots of fun ideas for creative usage.

I'm currently looking for an orchid to put in my terrarium; the perfect place for a plant I thought I could never own because they're dangerous to pets.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first study-guide for terrariums... I rounded up on the stars simply for the gorgeous photography.

It was encouraging to read that a terrarium can be as simple as a cloche placed over a tropical plant in a pot. I've always coveted an orchid, but knew it wouldn't thrive in our high desert climate, and now I'm encouraged to try.

The list of appropriate plants and the planting instructions were very helpful, but I wish their supplier list at the end wasn't restricted to only CT and MA stores. And Target.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the technical side of this book--the "how to" part--but not the pictures or ideas so much. As far as I'm concerned, putting a bell jar over an orchid or a selection of seashells is not really a terrarium. Perhaps this is the "new" part of the title? I guess I need to start looking at books from the '70s to get the real thing--or look online.

[Merilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the pictures and history in this book. I felt that the content was somewhat repetitive (dealing with the way increased humidity is the key to terrariums success). However, the book is full of a great plant list and some creative ideas to try. Take a look if you are at all interested in planting a terrarium. :)

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro and information here. I'm in love with terrariums and this book is definitely helpful. Martin provides a great list of plants that do well in a terrarium. She gives you lots of ideas and examples of terrariums. There are also some really creative examples. My only problem was with the photographer. I don't think she captured the beauty and life of the terrariums.

[Raquel Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone wrote in their review this was like taking a potted plant, putting it in a glass container and calling it a terrarium. Well, they were kind of spot on. Being the non green thumb, wanna be that I am, I personally liked it. There were pure ideas mixed in and I learned about drainage, which is key! I would recommend it for those who fall in my category of very beginner.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features terrariums made in martini glasses, upside-down carafes and miniature greenhouses. Like snow globes for gardens!

Unfortunately, I just don't have the energy to create one and make sure it doesn't die.

Kristin, page 127 has gnomes!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes sir I might make a terrarium and I would use this book for basics on what plants and supplies to use. Some of the chapters are a bit more than I am interested in both in skill and design but I think it would be good for both novice and terrarium mavens alike.

[Deanna Necula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descriptive and thorough, this book is perfect for beginners and provides a complete guide to creating a terrarium, leaving nothing out, and completing it's charm with glossy, inspirational photos and a myriad of information that will leave you wonderfully prepared.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dearly loved this book. It made me rethink terrariums. I interviewed Tovah Martin about this book and posted it on my blog here: http://reddirtramblings.com/winter/sn... if you want to read it.

[David Gallin-Parisi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the photos are inspiring for new terrarium makers, however the writing is ridiculous. The author delivers the pointy adjectives and the outlandish descriptions. Read this out loud for choice B-movie dialogue that happens in the next greenhouse murder mystery party.

[Mary Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

EVERYTHING there is to know about starting and maintaining a terrarium. Gorgeous photos. A tiny bit intimidating...

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

O.K. - to be honest I'm mostly just looking at the photographs in this book, but what eye candy. Great shots of beautiful, handmade terrariums.