Those of you who are from the
Boomer generation will remember the "terrarium" craze of
the sixties and seventies. Everyone had one. I made this updated version
because I had a left over unused aquarium just gathering dust and
I had a spot that needed to be filled in my family room. Since I have
a Southwestern theme in this room, sand and cactus seemed to be the
perfect choice. Not to mention even I can't kill cactus.
This unit is
large and has a base with a cabinet door, but you can use any aquarium.
I started by
cleaning the glass inside and out and putting it exactly where it
will sit, knowing that it will be heavy once it is filled. The first
layer is light sand, poured in slowly and spread without concern for
being level. Then I added thinner layers of black and red sand (available
at pet and aquarium stores). Finally, I made the lines design in the
light colored sand by gently pushing a wire into the layers next to
the glass, allowing the darker colors to fill in.
Top this with
a layer of potting soil. Add a variety of stacked flat rocks, small
stones, small crockery and accessories of choice.
Finish off with
assorted cactus. You might even want to put a real critter, like a
lizard, in here but I chose to go the easy road and put in a fake
one.
The soft light
in the lid illuminates a warm and inviting miniature desert world
that acts as a night light in the family room and reminds me that
winter isn't forever.
