Plant Ideas for a Fairy Garden
If we are lucky, a little bit of magic from our childhood adheres to us even into adulthood. That tiny spark of imagination needs to be nurtured to allow it to grow and flourish. One way to do that is to indulge in your fantasies. Traditionally, there were plants that attract fairies, and lore said that these impish creatures were both mischievous and prankful while also taking care of the garden. Attracting fairies in the garden may seem a little silly to a non-believer, but that is ok; the trappings and plants still create a charming and captivating garden space. It is said that fairies are attracted to spaces filled with life. These areas often occur under, in and around large trees. One of the imp’s favorite trees is the majestic oak with its large, ornamental leaves and quaint nuts. Elders are another favorite tree, but fairies in the garden are also attracted to yew, holly, willow, elm, and many more life sustaining trees. Any plant that gives food, and shelter to wildlife while enriching the soil with its cast off leaves are plants that attract fairies. Flesh out the space around the tree with food and shelter plants. In this way, you are building a tree guild whose primary purpose is to attract magical fairies. Trees are the core of a garden to attract sprites, but there are more plant ideas for a fairy garden.
What Flowers to Plant in a Fairy Garden
Large flowered plants give visions of fairies using them as parasols or upside down to catch dew and bathe in. Even foliage has its role in the fairy garden, creating shadows and hiding spaces for shy fairies. Any plant that attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds will be a fairy magnet. They love to hang out with these wild creatures and enjoy the color of the flowers. Here is a list of what flowers to plant in a fairy garden:
Pansies Bee Balm Petunia Foxglove Sunflower Columbine Tulip Nasturtium Snapdragon Cosmos Mallow Violet
Fairies are also attracted to the flowers from fruiting trees, and the fruit is a food source. Herbs are said to lure them to the garden and a traditional cottage kitchen garden would be rampant with the sprites. Some herbs to captivate fairies might be:
Yarrow St. John’s wort Heather Thyme Wood sorrel Red valerian Rosemary
Other Elements to Draw Fairies in the Garden
There is more to these charming spaces than plants. Plant ideas for a fairy garden are just the start, as you need to provide shelter and whimsy – which will be irresistible to the sprites. Birdhouses make excellent homes for fairies, as does the classic toadstool. These can be faux or real but should be large enough to provide shelter from rain. Fairies, like all living creatures, need water to survive. A body of water, like a fountain, small stream, or even just bowls of water left out will ensure they can slake their thirst. Statuary that honors elves, fairies, gnomes, and other natural magical folk will make fairies feel comfortable in the space. Keep the garden filled with life sustaining and affirming items and emphasize the natural. Fairies are very nature oriented and will be attracted to your efforts and set up homesteads near you in no time.
