Terrariums

Who has time for constant gardening? We've all forgotten to water that ficus for just a few short months only to let it wither and die. Belinda Gruszka of Green Thumb Design has the solution for plant care neglectors: terrariums ($15-$125). These gardens in a bottle, constructed with layers of small stones, sphagnum moss and soil require virtually no care. To achieve the perfect balance within the lush mini-ecosystems, Gruszka has to properly sanitize everything that goes in. She even steams the stones to keep outside gunk where it belongs - outside. With hand-selected figurines such as a fisherman or a Japanese geisha arranged in whimsical scenes in each bottle, these terrariums are tiny worlds unto themselves. "It's about perspective, and I love creating that," says Gruszka. "It just connects people to nature." greenthumbdesign.com