It is time to talk about containers. Believe it or not - not all miniature garden containers are created equal. The term 'mini garden' does not refer to the container, but to the plants and accessories that go inside them. Therefore, your container can range from a tiny teacup to a huge custom-built retaining wall garden. I am not going to lie - it was a cool moment when I realized that your container could inspire and be a large part of the story that you are trying to tell with your miniature garden. You do not want to make a rookie mistake and overlook the huge impact that the container can have on your mini-garden.

> If your vision were to start working on a miniature garden that has a fairy cottage, a tiny boat, and fishing pole with a line, you would want your container to inspire the impression of water splashing around. Therefore, the idea of a blue container with some texture in it that creates the illusion of water is a good choice.

> If you desire a playful fairy garden that inspires a fairytale cottage vibe you will need to start with a cottage, bird cages, a wishing well, a walking path, and a colorful bench. It would be a trendy idea to place these items in a birdbath that has miniature plants inside - the more decorative, the better!

> If having a variety of mini gardens inside your home, as a window into summer during cool winter months, you could place multiple gardens in antique teacups on your fireplace mantel or windowsill. While doing this you have a unique opportunity to have multiple stories playing out within your home. The mini teacup gardens are a personal favorite of mine - it is more like a Polaroid where some miniature gardens can be oil paintings.

It is clear that you should not just pick the first container that comes to mind - you want something that enhances the story you are trying to tell. I have had a small charcoal grill in my garage that is just begging for a fairy garden party. With a spray of lime green paint, the grill would be an amusing way to play up the festive atmosphere of the garden. As always, you want to select a theme that means something to you and remember to pick a container that is part of your story telling.