Wardian Case
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wardian_caseThe Wardian case was an early type of sealed protective container for plants, an early version of the terrarium. It found great use in the 19th century in protecting foreign plants imported to Europe from overseas, the great majority of which had previously died from exposure during long sea journeys, frustrating the many scientific and amateur botanists of the time. The Wardian case was the direct forerunner of the modern terrarium, Vivarium (and the inspiration for the glass aquarium), and was invented by Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward (1791–1868), of London, in about 1829 after an accidental discovery inspired him.[1] He published a book titled On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases in 1842.[2]
source:
http://www.stormthecastle.com/terrarium/wardian-cases.htm
Wardian Cases
Terrariums are generally credited with being invented by a man named Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward. He invented them during the Victorian era and created a style of glass case with a metal frame that was very popular during the era. These terrariums were called "Wardian Cases" after Ward. You can learn more about him and the history of the terrarium on my page here "The History of the Terrarium" The picture shown here is a Victorian Wardian Case. I have on this page two sizes of terrariums Table Top and Floor Model.
The traditional style of wardian case is made
much like a stained glass window with metal around the edges holding
sheets of glass together. But in the wardian case the glass is clear to
allow sunlight to pass through.
The History of Terrariums
| The bringing of the art of the terrarium is generally credited with a man called Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward. This came about with the publishing of his book called "On the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases" which he published in 1842. The second edition of this book was published in 1852 and is readily available in the public domain. Google books has it available here |
In the preface to his first edition he cites an
earlier reference where he wrote a letter that was published in the
"Companion to the Botanical Magazine" which was published in the May
1836 issue. He also gives credit to an author named Mr. Ellis who
published an article about growing plants in closed cases in an article
in "Gardeners Magazine" in September of 1839. The publication of the "On
the Growth of Plants in Closely Glazed Cases" is considered to be the
first substantial work that outlines the theory and keeping of
terrariums.
The story of how he first discovered the terrarium is rather interesting and Ward tells it in his book.
He
had the desire to watch an insect chrysalis transform into an insect so
he placed it, along with some mould in a capped wide-mouthed glass
bottle. He observed this bottle on a regular basis and noted how,
because of the sun, moisture would be drawn to the top of the bottle
during the day then circulate back down to the mould and soil in the
evening.
But his big surprise came when quite
unexpectedly a seedling fern and a sprout of grass bloomed inside the
bottle. He was very suprised by this because he had been unsuccessfully
trying to grow these very things in his garden. He had surmised that
pollution from local factories had been hostile to the plants and was
killing them. This made him believe that the plants were doing well in
his little bottle because they were sealed off from outside influences
and protected from contaminants. He placed this bottle outside the
window of his study and the plants inside continued to thrive for four
years with no watering or outside intervention at all! From this he
devised further experiments and thus his pursuit, and the science of the
terrariums, was born. For a very long time these small glass enclosures
were named Wardian Cases after him and even though the term is still in
use today it is generally not well known and we just call them
terrariums.
Terrariums Grew In Popularity
During the Victorian Era and predominantly in
England terrariums or "Wardian Cases" became very popular and many
people kept them in their homes. But over the course of decades the
practice fell in decline and in todays world they have made a bit of a
comeback but have never reached the every day popularity that they had
achieved in the days of Ward.
The Style of the Wardian Case still remains today
This
style of case which was created by Ward and was very popular in
Victorian England was a series of sheets of glass framed together with
metal. The picture at the top of this page gives you a good idea of
this. And this Victorian style case has made quite a comeback over the
past decade or so. Several companies now manufacture and sell them.
I have plenty of tutorials on this website that
will show you exactly how to make all kinds of terrariums from bottle,
to plastic bottle to dish and even big ones in an aquarium! Have some
fun with terrariums. If you are particularly interested in Wardian Cases I have a nice selection of them you can buy here
Fern in a bottle - the accidental terrariumTerrariums got their start when a Dr. Ward discovered a fern growing inside a bottle over 150 years ago. I just received an email with pics from someone who found a fern in a bottle. Its a wonderful re occurrence. Read about the fern in the bottle and see more pics of this one: The Fern in the bottle and the Wardian Case
The fool proof Guide to making a beautiful terrarium in 1 hour
http://www.stormthecastle.com/terrarium/
How To Make A Terrarium
Here are some great projects
on making your own terrarium in a variety of different styles from a
dish terrarium to a soda bottle terrarium or animal terrarium.
What is A Terrarium? A
terrarium is a miniature landscape with living plants and even sometimes
small animals like lizards or turtles. (But not usually people like
terrarium man!)
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The fool proof Guide to making a beautiful terrarium in 1 hour
The Best Books On amazon.com
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My latest Terrarium Making Videos
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| You can watch a video on how to make both of these terrariums right here on my website. | |
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Make the Box Terrarium
including how to make the box |
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Will's Book on Terrarium making is now available on amazon.com in Kindle Version.
Available on Amazon Kindle Right Here (And I am running a promotion for it. For the week of July 19 thru 23 it is totally free) 
New project: A terrarium in a terrarium
We put together this fun little terrarium. It has
moss, plants, and even origami butterflies. And one terrarium right
inside the other. Fun and easy. I show you step by step. How to make a terrarium inside a terrarium
Make Terrarium Tweezers
Having trouble reaching into your bottle or jug terrarium and need a tool? Here is a quick tutorial on how to make some tools out of coat hangers or copper wire: Make Terrarium Tweezers
Make a mini Greenhouse Starting out plants or taking cuttings for plants is a great thing. And a mini home-made greenhouse is perfect for them. Here is a tutorial on how to make a mini greenhouse.
The History of the Terrarium
- They were invented by a Man named Ward and in his honor terrariums
are often called Wardian Cases. I also have a wonderful selection of
Wardian Cases available from Amazon.com both in table top size and floor
model: Wardian Cases
Make an Assassin's Creed Terrarium
Here is a wonderful terrarium in a fish bowl that has a theme from a video game.
Make an Assassin's Creed Terrarium
Make an Assassin's Creed Terrarium
The Cookie Jar TerrariumA terrarium can be easy and fun just like this one inside a cookie jar. See a bigger picture and hear how Shirley made this terrarium: The cookie Jar terrarium
Make a Hobbit Terrarium
This is a fun little terrarium with Bag End of the Shire. I even have a tutorial on how to make the little hobbit hole. Make a Hobbit Terrarium
Make a Light Bulb Terrarium Fun little project inside a household lightbulb. I show you how to open up the bulb and we use some amazing little lichen inside including pixie cups.
Tiny Glass Bottle Terrariums
Here are some tiny little terrariums made in tiny jars. They can even be hung on a necklace. Tutorial right here: Make tiny glass bottle terrariums
Make a Sand Terrarium ?
You might remember making sand sculptures in glass containers. A web visitor has taken this technique and created a terrarium out of it. You can use the sand to accentuate the beauty of the plants in the terrarium. See a bigger picture and read more about it here. Colored Sand Terrariums
New: A Venus Fly Trap Terrarium They are an amazing and exotic plant. And they are great in terrariums. You just have to know some basic rules of care when it comes to these carnivorous plants. I make a terrarium and give you guidelines for a successful Venus Fly Trap Terrarium This also includes a video tutorial.
Small Terrariums make great wedding giveawaysHere is a look at some great little terrariums that were given away at a wedding. Its a unique and wonderful idea. The wedding terrariums
A mason jar terrarium with mushrooms and fungi
Here is a gorgeous terrarium inside a blue lid mason jar. It has some wondeful splashes of mushroom and fungi color. Bigger pics here.
Moss Terrariums!
Moss terrariums are wonderful in their simplicity
and beauty. And you can often make one without spending a penny. Just
collect up the moss from the outdoors. Add some small accents and they
become a beautiful little world. I have some pictures here and a link to
my tutorial on making them. Moss terrariums.
If you never made a terrarium this is a great place to start because it is easy and attractive.
Freeze your moss to store it
If you are not going to use all the moss you
collected or bought you can freeze it to keep it long term. I have had
some in the freezer for three months now. Freezing moss
The Necklace Terrarium!
Here is a fun little project submitted by a web
visitor. It uses tiny little bottles for charms or apothecary. Fun
little project and you can wear it as a necklace. Amazon sells all kinds
of these little bottles. They are a lot of fun. This particular bottle
comes with the cork and eye screw. Make a Necklace Terrarium
The Big Screen TV Terrarium!
How's this for a terrarium project! You know those
big screen tv's that really don't see much use any more? Flat screens
have replaced them. But you can still use one in another way - a
terrarium! Great way to recycle something like this. This project was
made by a web visitor and I have lots of pics and information about how
he did this project. Gotta check this out!! The Big screen Terrarium
A Cloche Terrarium
Cloche and Bell Jar Terrariums have become very
popular, and for good reason. They are beautiful and easy to care for.
Here are some pictures of a cloche terrarium submitted by a web visitor. I also have a nice selection of Cloches and Bell Jars for you to check out.
The Enormous Fantasy Terrarium
Step into a magnificent Fantasy Terrarium World. This is a massive six foot terrarium and you have just got to check it out! The Big Fantasy Terrarium
Making a more artistic terrrarium Terrariums used to be all about creating a small eco-system. This has changed in the past couple of years. Terrariums are now works of living art unto themselves. I have some tips for making a terrarium that is more artistic: Making an artistic terrarium
Get terrarium started with just a mason jar Here you can see a couple of pictures submitted by a web visitor. They are of a creative little mason jar terrarium. This also shows the wide variety of plants you can use including moss and mushrooms. Mason Jar terrarium
Using old Jars and containers for a terrarium You might be surprised at some of the wonderful containers you have lying around the house. You might want to consider making a terrarium out of them! Here are a bunch of pictures of old jars, jugs and containers that have been made into terrariums It's a great way to recycle an old container and get something beautiful out of it!
A pair of Frog Terrariums/vivariums A couple of terrific projects submitted by a web visitor. Here are two frog terrariums complete with all kinds of fun stuff to keep frogs happy. Pattilynn's frog terrariums
Terrariums as a Classrooom Project
Terrariums make a wonderful classroom project for a variety of reasons including stewardship, eco-systems and more. Here are some pictures submitted by a 7th grade science teacher. Classroom terrariums
Mushroom Terrarium TimeLapse video
I just started this project so I don't have the timelapse yet. It will end up to be a short video of the mushrooms sprouting out of the box. In ten days it should be done. I have set up a mushroom terrarium so I can take pics of it as it grows. Pretty interesting project and I am also working on a couple of mushroom terrariums to be coming soon.. Mushroom Terrarium Timelapse
New: Terrarium Accents:
I have a selection of miniature accents to add to your terrarium. And I
have a few ideas that you might like including using crystals in your
terrarium.
Fern in a bottle - the accidental terrariumTerrariums got their start when a Dr. Ward discovered a fern growing inside a bottle over 150 years ago. I just received an email with pics from someone who found a fern in a bottle. Its a wonderful re occurrence. Read about the fern in the bottle and see more pics of this one: The Fern in the bottle and the Wardian Case
A Magnificent Wardian Case Terrarium You have got to see this terrarium. It is a wardian case and it was made by Mark Y. My thanks to him for submitting the pics and information to this site. Wardian cases were invented in the Victorian Era and they are how terrariums got their start. The Magnificent Wardian Case Terrrarium
New: A new moss terrarium tutorial
This is an attractive and easy terrarium made with moss. I show you how to make one and how to care for it. How to make a moss terrarium
New: All About growing bonsai trees
I have started a new series of projects and a new
section of my website all about the art of Bonsai. I have some
tutorials, information and resources including books to buy. Check it
out here: The Art of Bonsai
A Note from Will:
If you are looking for living moss to make a terrarium or to add to
your bonsai this is the perfect stuff. Living Terrarium Moss for Bonsai
and terrarium making. Hirts Gardens now sells The perfect moss and it is
available on Amazon.com I have ordered two of these and will fill you
in on how they are.
Apothecary Jar Terrariums
Here are three wonderful terrariums made by a web
visitor (Linda D.) Among other things she used peppermint plants and
moss which make a wonderful combination. Check out more pictures and
some advice here: The Apothecary terrariums
The Terrarium Room
Wouldn't this be great? It's like bringing a
miniature exotic garden right into the house. It is no doubt a wonderful
place to relax and find some quiet time and a little bit of communing
with nature. Larger Picture and more here: The terrarium Room
New: Home made terrarium for a climbing plant
A web visitor made this terrarium for a climbing
Hoya. It is a great example of how you can use a little bit of
polycarbonate sheet to quickly make a custom terrarium for a plant or
plants that require higher humidity or high heat. This is almost like a
little greenhouse. The climbing plant terrarium
Cloche Terrariums
This type of terrarium is becoming very popular
and a year ago you couldn't find this type of victorian glass bell jar
cloche container. Now they are available on amazon.com I have a
selection of some of the most popular ones here: Cloche Terrariums
A look at a tree frog terrarium/vivarium
A vivarium is a great way to make a terrarium into
something special. Here I take a look at a vivarium created by a web
visitor: James' Tree Frog Vivarium
Just a few thoughts on recycling bottles and jars into a terrarium I
Maybe it's a little thing but why not recycle and reuse bottles and
jars you are going to throw away by making them into terrariums? Here
are a few thoughts on this and a picture of a group of easy to make recycled bottle terrariums 
How to make a terrarium waterfall from scratch
I show you how to make a small waterfall that you
can put in your terrarium. This is a complete tutorial that even
includes a how to video How to make a terrarium waterfall
Chris's Rum Bottle Terrarium
A web visitor sent me these pictures and tips
about making a terrarium inside a rum bottle. This is a great example of
using an attractive container that would have otherwise ended up in the
recycling bin. The Rum Bottle terrarium
An Aquarium inside a terrarium
Here is a terrific new project submitted by a web
visitor (Chris D.) It is an aquarium inside a terrarium. Neat idea and a
terrarium it takes the idea of a miniature eco-system to a new level.
See more pics of it here. He build the glass containers himself. The TerraQuarium!
Skipper's Frog Terrarium
A web visitor sent me these pictures of the
amazing terrarium she made out of a very big aquarium tank. She collects
frogs and used them as a theme. It also has a nice working water
fountain. You have got to see these pictures. Skipper's Frog Terrarium
Creative ideas on terrarium making
How about making a shadowbox style terrarium with
dinosaurs in it? I have this and other ideas on making your terrarium
something spectacular. Not hard to do. Creative Terrarium Ideas
How to Make a Micro Terrarium
These tiny terrariums have become very popular
over the past few years. They are small, easy to care for and easy to
make. I have a complete tutorial that uses the smallest flowers in the
world. How to make a Micro Terrarium
Make an Organic Diorama Terrarium
Very complete tutorial with lots of pictures. How to make an organic diorama terrarium
Popular Projects : - A Bottle Terrarium because it is a closed environment this project is more challenging.
- A Soda Bottle Terrarium (Fast, easy, inexpensive and fun - nice project for kids.)
- A Dish Terrarium This is an easy project and looks really good
- A Large Terrarium suitable for pets A big project that takes some time but is a very rewarding project for you and a pet.
- Choosing a terrarium animal
- Big Glass Terrariums
A Moss Terrarium I have just started working on some Moss terrariums and I have some thoughts, pictures and informatio on them. terrarium is attractive, fun to make and very hardy. Here is a complete tutorial on how to make one. Moss Terrariums
Scouts make terrariums as part of their Naturalist Badge Requirement
This is a great way to teach cub scouts, webelos and boy scouts about nature and the eco system. Check out the pictures of the terrariums these scouts made right here: Cub Scout terrariums
A Desert Themed Terrarium
This kind of terrarium is attractive, fun to make and very hardy. Here is a complete tutorial on how to make one.
A Desert Terrarium
A Terrarium for Kids
Some guidelines and tips for great terrariums that kids can make. Includes a learning sheet that explains how a miniature ecosystem works. Lots of suggestions for selecting a container and plants.
A Terrarium for Kids
Tips on making a large Glass Terrarium
This page also includes an amazing terrarium that was custom made to fit into a window. Make a glass terrarium tips
Thinking about making a big terrarium? A Big Glass terrarium can be a challenge, but can come out spectacular. Here are some pictures and tips of big glass terrariums submitted by web visitors.
A Window box terrarium
Here is another terrific project made by Badia A.
It is a Wildlife windowbox terrarium diorama. It is a custom built box
with a picture frame front that has small wildlife figures inside. It of
course has plants too. See more pictures and get some ideas to make
your own here: WindowBox Terrarium
How to make a carnivorous terrarium:Read My tutorial essay on how to make one
Book: The New Terrarium: Creating Beautiful Displays for Plants and Nature In The New Terrarium ,
Tovah Martin, one of America's favorite gardeners, introduces you to
the whimsical yet practical world of gardens under glass-a no-fuss way
to bring snippets of nature indoors. Wherever you are, in whatever
little time you have, terrariums are the perfect tool for nature lovers
and gardeners everywhere.
In The New Terrarium ,
Tovah Martin, one of America's favorite gardeners, introduces you to
the whimsical yet practical world of gardens under glass-a no-fuss way
to bring snippets of nature indoors. Wherever you are, in whatever
little time you have, terrariums are the perfect tool for nature lovers
and gardeners everywhere. A terrarium inside a terrarium-
Here is a great concept that a web visitor has
suggested - Make a tiny terrarium and put it inside another terrarium.
See more pics and read about these moss terrariums submitted by a web
visitor. Terrarium within a terrarium
Raising the hobby of terrarium making to an art
I have some thoughts, tips and techniques here on
what to think about if you want to bring terrarium making to a whole new
level. Terrarium as Art
Tutorial: Overview of Terrarium Building - The basics of how a terrarium is made
Looking for ideas on what kind of terrarium to make? Here are some suggestions on creative terrariums you can make. Creative Terrariums
The Ten minute terrarium: A video and tutorial on how to make an attractive single plant terrarium in no time at all. I cover selecting the container and selecting the plant and show you how to make it quick and easy. The Ten Minute Terrarium
Want to add a pool of water and a waterfall to your terrarium or vivarium? Here are some nice pictures and ideas submitted by a web visitor who did just that. This terrarium is terrific. Adding a water pump to your terrarium The single Plant Zen Terrarium -
I call a terrarium with just a single plant in it
a "Zen" terrarium because of the elegant simplicity and beauty of it.
If you are looking to do something special but without a lot of work you
might consider one of these terrariums. I have some pictures submitted
by a web visitor and some thoughts on making your own zen terrarium
Low Light Terrarium Plants:
Want to make an indoor terrarium for the office,
dorm room, apartment or place that doesn't get a lot of sunlight. Here
is a list of suggested Terrarium plants that will thrive in low light or indirect light.
Apothecary Jar Terrariums
These Jars make stylish and
very attractive terrariums and they are small enough for a beginner with
a large mouth for easy access. A web visitor has submitted these pics
of apothecary jar terrariums learn more here
Although there are many/many varieties of terrariums they can be categorized into three different types:
- Open Air Terrarium - This is a type of terrarium that is not enclosed. It has no top and it often has no sides. This type of terrarium is the easiest to make and can usually be done in less than an hour. The dish terrarium is the most common way this type is made.
- Self-contained Terrarium - This type of terrarium is completely enclosed so it has its own unique bio system. This type is more difficult to make and to maintain. It is more of a challenge. Several factors make this more of a challenge such as making sure it has the correct amount of water inside and that it gets the right amount of sunlight. This terrarium also often has only a very small top opening which makes it a challenge to get all the plants and materials inside.
- An Animal Terrarium - This type of terrarium is more of a showplace for a pet such as a lizard or a turtle. The goal of this type of terrarium is to mimic the type of natural environment the animal would live in. Often times this type has either a jungle or a desert motif.
What Type of Terrarium Would You Like To Make?
| A Dish Terrarium This is an easy project and looks really good | |
| A Bottle Terrarium because it is a closed environment this project is more challenging. | |
| A Soda Bottle Terrarium (Fast, easy, inexpensive and fun - nice project for kids.) | |
| A Large Terrarium suitable for pets A big project that takes some time but is a very rewarding project for you and a pet. | |
| How to Make a Carnivorous Terrarium - This can be a dramatic and fun project. Learn how | |
More Terrarium Information
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Classic Fish Bowl
Looking for something that looks good and is easy to use for a
terrarium? This classic fish bowl is perfect and inexpensive. Available
at Amazon.com |
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How to Make a Terrarium at Home
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