This was a gift from 2nd Man about 10 years ago. It's called a "Wardian Case", named for Dr. Nathanial Ward who discovered/invented it in the early 1800's. Their use in the 1800's was to get samples of plants home safely in the long journeys across the seas. Then they grew in popularity as a way for people to display rare and exotic plants in their homes and were all the rage for a long time. However, as with most fads, they fell out of fashion after a few decades, only to be reborn in the 1970's as "terrariums".
This particular manufacturer is H. Potter (no, not THAT H. Potter, LOL). They've been making them for a long time and they come in all different styles, from tabletop versions to large stand versions like this. I've had ferns growing in it, on and off over the years. But because we live in the city, and we have curtains on the windows (blackout style for cooling/heating savings), they didn't get enough light. For security and privacy, we also leave them drawn during the day and to top it all off, there was never a wall close enough to a window where I could put the case so it would get what light did come through. Something like this really needs to have a lot of natural light for the plants growing inside and needless to say, my experience was hit and miss.
When we bought the farmhouse, I instantly knew that I'd want to move this case out there, and I already had the perfect spot in mind. So, this is where I put it over the weekend! It's in the foyer/entryway, right as you come in the front door. It can stay in front of this window and have all the light it needs all the time. I'll be able to put plants in it, get them watered and then without us being there on a daily basis, it should still be able to maintain the proper humidity and moisture level to only need to be watered periodically.
Now I just need to decide WHAT to plant inside. Violets? Orchids? Ferns? I think it would be kind of awesome to create a carnivorous plant garden.
Any suggestions?
This particular manufacturer is H. Potter (no, not THAT H. Potter, LOL). They've been making them for a long time and they come in all different styles, from tabletop versions to large stand versions like this. I've had ferns growing in it, on and off over the years. But because we live in the city, and we have curtains on the windows (blackout style for cooling/heating savings), they didn't get enough light. For security and privacy, we also leave them drawn during the day and to top it all off, there was never a wall close enough to a window where I could put the case so it would get what light did come through. Something like this really needs to have a lot of natural light for the plants growing inside and needless to say, my experience was hit and miss.
 |
| Wardian Case / Conservatory / Terrarium |
Now I just need to decide WHAT to plant inside. Violets? Orchids? Ferns? I think it would be kind of awesome to create a carnivorous plant garden.
Any suggestions?
What about some nice herbs?
ReplyDeleteYou know I never thought about that! Great idea!
DeleteI second the "herbs" suggestion! I have about 6-7 varieties of basil seeds that I'd be more than happy to share with you, and the colors and shapes would be gorgeous in there, as well as giving you year-round eating.
ReplyDeleteWe love basil, I have some seeds on standby, but I might just take you up on your generous offer when I get ready. You are awesome, thank you.
DeleteI was thinking herbs as well!! The legal kind ;)
ReplyDeleteBut of course!
DeleteWhat a cool gift! I'm so glad you'll finally be able to use it!!! Now, I'm going against the grain here and voting for carnivorous plants! i'd love to see a snapping flytrap in there! Now THAT would be cool :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're a bee girl after my own heart, ha. 2nd Man and I were talking (about the response to this blog post) and I told him I could have fresh cooking herbs right inside the house and he said 'well, we'll have herbs growing outside, why don't you go ahead and do whatever you want in there. He's pretty awesome like that. So now I'm thinking again of the carnivorous plants (flytraps, those really awesome pitcher plants, etc). Decisions decisions...
DeleteI love that I have always wanted one (but worried my dogs would destroy it). I would totally set up one of one those weird pixie gardens. Regardless of what you set up it will look awesome!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, a pixie garden? that's kind of cool too. Like with little mushroom houses and stuff? Dang, now I'm starting to obsess about this and I don't even have the gardens finished. Priorities, ha.
DeleteI think Herbs would be perfect in that spot too!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how I never thought about herbs and that's the most popular response. Everyone has thought of that except me, ha. Not sure what it will end up being but whatever, it WILL be blogged about! ha.
DeleteI am searching the internet trying to find this exact case.. Ive found a lot of similar ones.. would you by any chance know the model number?
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to the tabletop version of ours.
Deletehttp://www.hpotter.com/terrariums-for-sale-by-h-potter/h-potter-essex-house-table-top-terrarium-wardian/
Ours was made by H. Potter (link in the actual post itself above). This was the one called "Essex". It looks like now H. Potter only makes tabletop versions, but maybe you could email them and ask?
Anyway, ours was definitely the Essex, as far as I know there was no model number, and it was the floor stand model...but again, I'm guessing a quick email to H. Potter could answer more about it. Thanks and good luck (and let us know if you track one down!).