News & Events

Join us on Saturday 9th May for a calming and creative hands‑on session where you’ll build your very own self‑contained garden-in-a-jar.

You’ll learn how to layer, plant and style your own closed‑jar terrarium, using a selection of moss, soil, gravel and greenery to build a little living landscape you can enjoy at home. Claire will guide you step‑by‑step, making this workshop perfect for complete beginners as well as houseplant lovers looking to try something new.

Each ticket includes all materials, plants, tools, and a helpful care‑at‑home guide, plus you’ll take home your finished terrarium at the end of the workshop.

With only 15 spaces available, it’s a lovely opportunity to unwind, learn a new skill, and enjoy a calm, creative morning at Polhill.

Event Details

• Event: Terrarium Workshop
• Date: Saturday 9th May
• Time: 10am to 11am
• Location: Polhill Garden Centre, outside the restaurant (please dress appropriately for the weather)
  
• Cost: £60 per person. Spaces are limited, so booking in advance is recommended.
• Tickets: Go to https://polhill.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/76770

What is a Terrarium?

A terrarium is a miniature indoor garden housed inside a glass container. In closed terrariums, the plants thrive within a self-sustaining ecosystem, creating their own water cycle. Once established, a terrariums requires very little maintenance, making it a beautiful and surprisingly low‑effort way to enjoy plants indoors.

Terrariums are perfect for bringing a bit of greenery into homes, offices, and small spaces especially for people who love plants but worry about keeping them alive.

What Makes Terrariums So Special

Terrariums aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, they offer lots of benefits:

• Low Maintenance: Once they’re settled, closed terrariums can go months without a single drop of water.
• Fits Anywhere: No garden? No problem. They look stunning on desks, bookshelves, or bedside tables.
• Great for beginners: Ideal if you’re new to plants or have struggled in the past.
• Space‑saving: Perfect for desks, shelves, and windowsills.
• Educational: A brilliant way to see how ecosystems and the water cycle work in real life.

Is a Terrarium Right for You?

(Spoiler: The answer is probably yes!) They are a perfect match for:

• Plant beginners who want something forgiving
• Busy households who love nature but with little time for plant care
• Home décor lovers looking for something natural and stylish
• Gift‑givers wanting a unique, long‑lasting present

Because they’re enclosed, they’re also great for homes with pets, as plants are protected inside the glass.

A Brief History of Terrariums

Terrariums aren’t just a modern trend; they’re a Victorian-era invention! Back in the 1800s, scientist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward discovered that plants could survive long sea voyages inside sealed glass cases, known as ‘Wardian Cases’. These early terrariums sparked a fascination with miniature indoor gardens and we’re still obsessed with them now. 

Choosing the Right Spot for Your Terrarium

Terrariums thrive in bright, indirect light. A north‑ or east‑facing windowsill is ideal, or a well‑lit room away from direct sun.

Avoid:

• Direct sunlight (this can overheat and scorch plants)
• Radiators or fireplaces
• Cold draughts

Room temperatures between 15°C and 24°C are perfect.

Understanding Condensation (And Why It’s a Good Thing)

Condensation is one of the best indicators of a healthy terrarium, and seeing it appear on the glass is usually a good sign. Think of condensation as your terrarium’s built‑in health check:

• Light fogging on the glass: everything is working well. Leave the lid closed and let the terrarium do its thing.
• Large droplets running down the sides: too much moisture. Open the lid for a few hours, wipe the glass if needed, then close it once clear.
• No condensation for several days: too dry. Add a tiny splash of water (1–2 teaspoons) and keep an eye on it.

Once you get used to spotting these signs, caring for a terrarium becomes simple and intuitive.

Terrarium Maintenance: Small Checks, Big Difference

Terrariums are wonderfully low‑maintenance, but a little occasional care will keep them looking their best. Because they’re living, humid environments, you may sometimes notice small patches of white, fluffy mould, especially in the early weeks. This is completely normal. Simply remove it gently with a cotton bud, open the lid for a day to improve airflow, and reduce watering slightly going forward.

Pruning is just as simple. Trim back any leaves that start touching the glass, as this helps prevent rot and keeps the terrarium tidy. Remove fallen leaves from the soil before they begin to break down, and if a plant starts to outgrow the space, don’t be afraid to snip it back. A little regular tidying helps maintain balance and keeps your terrarium healthy for the long term.

With these small check‑ins, your terrarium will continue to thrive happily with very little effort.

Why We Love Terrariums at Polhill

We love terrariums here at Polhill because they prove that anyone can enjoy plants, regardless of how much space they have. Terrariums are compact and easy to love with: perfect for windowsills, shelves and desks where traditional houseplants may feel overwhelming. They make greenery accessible to everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned plant lovers, and show that you don’t need a garden or lots of room to bring a little bit of nature indoors.

Why Not Make Your Own?

If you’ve enjoyed learning about terrariums and how they work, why not try creating one yourself? Our hands-on Terrarium Workshop at Polhill is a relaxed, creative session where you’ll be guided step-by-step through putting together your very own closed terrarium.

You’ll learn how to layer materials correctly, choose and position plants, and understand how to care for your terrarium long‑term so it thrives. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is needed — it’s perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike.

Find out more and book your place here: https://polhill.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/76770