Happy May Day! I'm so excited to share what I've been working on with you. I created two fairy gardens for the back yard. I even took my camera outdoors so I could take a few 'as I worked' photos to show you how they came together. For the first garden, it all started with a terra cotta bowl and some potting soil. Next, I added a birdhouse (50% off at JoAnn Fabrics) and a small 'tree'. I love the 'hilly' look of Irish Moss, and I added some flowers and a white trellis. Now I was ready to add some details like a fairy or two, a pebble path and a bench. This little fellow, the Elm Tree fairy, has bent arms - perfect for holding a tiny watering can! He needed help with the gardening so I added a friend, the Fumaria fairy. Oh, look - a pretty blue mushroom appeared after they used the watering can! See the sweet fairy in the green dress under the tree? She is cooling off in the shade. The second Fairy Garden wasn't planned - it just sort of happened! I had leftover Irish Moss and an old non-working fountain. Handyman drilled drainage holes in the upper and lower bowls of the fountain so I could plant flowers in them. This is the before photo. The fountain has begun to rust and the pump doesn't work. I filled the bowls with potting soil and started adding flowers and moss. I planted Japanese Grass in the top tier, which had been in last summer's Fairy Garden and taken over the pot. I hope it doesn't mind being transplanted. I like it's wild look! Let's play 'I Spy'. Can you spot a bird house bird bath bee skep teapot The Columbine Fairy is twirling and dancing among the Irish Moss. All our fairies come from the Cicely Mary Barker collection. Cicely Mary Barker (1895-1973) was an English illustrator best known for a series of fantasy illustrations depicting fairies and flowers. Every time I look at the patio I am charmed by our new fairy gardens! I can't help smiling when I see them. Click here to go to the Flower Fairies interactive website where you can see all the different fairies and print out activity sheets and other fun things. The world is very old; but every spring it groweth young again, and fairies sing. Flower Fairies of Spring,1923 Make your own Fairy Garden and join the fun at The Magic Onions- they are having a fairy garden contest this summer. sharing this post with: The Magic Onions You're Going To Love It Whatever You Want Wednesday Clever Chicks Make It Pretty Cottage Style Party Homemaking Party Wow Us Wednesday Favorite Things Time Travel Thursday Share Your Cup Made You Look Home Sweet Home A Favorite Thing Anything Blue Friday Pink Saturday