With more and more people believing in faeries, there is an increased demand for learning how to make a faerie garden. Those who wish to attract the fey into their homes are looking to create a magical, sacred space in which the faeries will feel welcome.
How to Create a Fairy Garden
Designing a faerie garden takes time and patience. Faeries are said to be shy of humans and fiercely protective of nature, so a faerie garden needs to be accommodating to their needs.
There are many important things to consider when learning how to make a fairy garden:
- Faeries are private creatures – leave areas of the garden wild, and the edges of the lawn long
- Use organic methods whenever possible – faeries are thought to not appreciate chemicals!
- A fairy garden should reflect the natural state of the local area, so choose plants that are native, preferably wildflowers. Many are endangered and the more that get planted in gardens, the better
- Create a sensory garden by using sound, smell, touch and taste as well as the visual delights for sight!
- Take wildlife into consideration – provide homes, food and shelter for animals and birds
- Take inspiration from your favorite fairytale films, books and art – create miniature dells, secret places and fairy houses using only natural materials
How to Attract Fairies to the Garden
In truth, faeries are believed to be present in all gardens in some form, as there are fey tending plants and soil everywhere. However, it is possible to try and attract more faeries to a garden by increasing the number of faerie-friendly flowers, and providing a haven where all kinds of faeries will want to spend time.
Caring for wildlife is extremely important – the faeries are guardians of nature, and should flock to a garden tended by a human who tends plants, animals, birds and insects with equal care. They will also prefer a garden where humans treat their privacy with respect, and if the human proves to be one who does all these things unconditionally, they will be more inclined to make themselves known. Kindness, romance and playfulness are also ways to attract faeries.
You can also attract the attention of the small folk by leaving offerings in the garden, such as food, crafts, crystals or trinkets.
How to Choose Fairy Flowers
First and foremost, faeries are thought to favor a garden with wildflowers that are native to their local land. Thereafter, it is up to you to choose flowers that complement the style of garden design. A cottage garden style would require, amongst others, roses, lilies, daisies, peonies, hollyhocks, geraniums, lavender, thyme, rosemary, sage, clematis, and, according to folklore, the most famous of faerie flowers, foxgloves.
It is also worth planting a seasonal garden, as faeries are thought to be fascinated by the human concept of time.
Where to Find Fairies in the Garden
Faeries are said to be found in the secret places of the garden; the hidden nooks of a secluded corner, the ancient knots and gnarls of a tree, the hollow of a rotten log, the long grass blowing in the wind. Faeries will dwell where the wild places are, and play amongst the flowers and the wildlife, so the greater the variety of color, plant species and wildlife in a garden, the better.
Working with Faeries in the Garden
Faeries should love spending time with a human in the garden if they tend the plants with a passion, enjoy quiet time sewing, reading or watching the birds, and bring fun outside through parties, family time and romance.
Once a relationship is forged with the faeries, they are said to help to grow wonderful blooms and crops, and cast their protection over all who dwell within the home.
To attract specific faeries to work with, plant and design appropriately. For example, undines would be attracted by a pond or water feature. Faeries of Avalon would be drawn to an apple tree.
The Benefits of a Fairy Garden
A faerie garden can be a wonderful place not only for attracting faeries, but also for connecting to Mother Nature. Spending time in nature, creating a magical environment for children, and restoring some of nature’s wildness, are all excellent reasons for creating a fairy garden!
Readers may also enjoy the articles How to Make a Child’s Fairy Garden and Who are the Garden Fairies?
References:
Stern, Marina T. To Live with the Fairy Folk. Weiser Books, 2002
Louise Heyden - Louise Heyden is a writer, artist, work at home mum, sound technician and former school Library Manager.
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