Planting For Fairies

Things have been busy around the garden lately, with the bulbs emerging from the ground and bursting forth with colorful blooms, seeds being sown in the greenhouse/sunroom, and mysterious nests being built in the shed. We have shamefully been neglecting the fairy garden. But a gentle reminder by way of this metal sculpture was given while shopping the newly arrived spring plants in our favorite Knoxville nursery, Dixie Lee. “Oh yes, the fairy garden!” we muttered as the statue was promptly put into the shopping basket along with a few plants. Here she sits on the soft cushion of moss in the gazebo we built. She is a little too large to fit on the bench, but we want to welcome wee folk of all sizes. She whispered to us in a dream that her name is Verna Birdfoot, and she is considered by most to be of a medium build, even a ‘cute size’, as her mother calls her.

Now that the weather has warmed some, appropriate fairy plants have been assembled around the gazebo area and its vicinity in the southeast corner of the property. It is shady and protected there, away from the house and garage, off the main path that winds its way from one end of the garden to the other, and somewhat secluded. Books were delved into, websites were explored, and the conclusion has been reached that any and all plants and trees have magical and mythical properties. You name it, there is lore surrounding it. That does seem logical, since the very act of a seed germinating is the most miraculous of happenings. There is magic everywhere, everyday, every second. So no matter what we plant, the fairies should find it pleasing in some respect. We happened to have already been growing this primula veris, the English cowslip, started from seed years ago. It is easily propagated by division and has been spread about the garden beds. This flower was mentioned in several references to be a favorite of the wee folk, the blooms often used as umbrellas. It has been rainy here lately, even snowy, so it seemed a good addition, planted very close to the gazebo opening for easy access should a surprise shower pop up.

One book suggested baskets of lichen be left about the area, for the fairy babies to have a comfy place in which to nap. In looking around the house for a little basket, this one was found. It is remembered that our youngest offspring, Brokenbeat created this small container as a child. Some gathered rosebuds and lavender found in a paper bowl used for potpourri inside, would make for a pleasant smelling slumber for young and old alike. A piece of lichen was added in keeping with the instructions.

The fairies are said to love the sweet faces of the violas, as do we. This self sown seedling was plucked from the knot garden to help in making the fairies feel welcome. Let’s call her Annabelle and wish her well.

Our local big box store had this miniature lamb’s ear, Silky Fleece, for sale. It seemed like a perfect addition to the fairy garden. Easily divided into several plants to fill the entrance area to the gazebo along the path, it is already growing nicely. That should make a soft footing for the fairies’ landing strip. We don’t want any stubbed fairy toes as they alight from their fanciful flights.

The tall pines nearby are a steady source of lichen encrusted branches. It was decided to place this likely limb next to the gazebo so the fairies could harvest what they wished to use themselves. We don’t want totally dependent wee folk, that is not our system here at Faire Garden. Self reliance is to be encouraged.

This idea began with the bundling of fallen birch twigs to be used for firewood. The row of river birches on the lower east side of the property line, seven in all, constantly drop leafless branches whenever the wind blows. Birch was another of the fairy favorites, being one of their nine magic trees. (More will be written about that in another story.) Honeysuckle was snipped, the leaves stripped off and it was used to bind the birch sticks into neat bundles. Fire can be fun, but can also be dangerous, so a fire pit was dug and lined with shale pieces for seating to allow for feet warming that is not too close to the flames. Let’s hope the younger fairies are supervised during their bonfires by responsible adults. We can keep the birch bundle stock well supplied.

Now we know that our fairies are the good kind here, and we have made every effort to be their friends, but tales abound of fairy mischief and dare it be uttered, even naughtiness. This plant, rue, is a potent protective herb, and will be an insurance policy against harm just in case there are some interloping ne’er do well fairies stopping by.

The long shot of the gazebo and surrounding area, don’t see it? Click on the photo and scroll down to the bottom of the photo for a closer look. The people path winds around to go under the new
arbor and the broken brick path is the slow lane for those who wish to study at leisure this land of little ones. There has been a conscious effort to have the proper plantings for optimum magical enjoyment in this little corner. The arbor will offer the humans an opportunity to absorb some delight from the world of wonder while the gazebo gives the same to our fine little friends.

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More will be written about the legends and lore of the trees, shrubs and flowers favored by fairies in coming posts. For now you may learn about a Left Coast, Texas visiting fairy garden expert, by clicking here. To learn about some talented Indiana guest blogging fairies, click here.

Learning more all the time,

Frances

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