Stained glass terrariums can be a world unto themselves. Wardian cases become self sustaining worlds, providing their own environments for life. In 1827 amateur botanist Nathaniel Ward began an
experiment in a closed glass case. His plants survived for several years without additional care, such as being watered! This study led to the development of Wardian Cases which are the ancestors of today’s terrariums. Perfect for growing ferns or orchids, they are meant to be watered infrequently, and kept out of direct sunlight.

This piece was designed to open from the top, and I’ve designed a forked rod to keep one side of the roof open in case it needs ventilation. It’s also a good practice to seal with an aquarium grade silicon to prevent leaks. I typically go with a solid color where the soil is. A clear color may look good early on, but they can tend to get a little scummy over time!

I also like to build ones that hang on the wall or ones that resemble a geodesic dome. Thanks, Bucky!

Next ones will be Wardian designed, Bucky Balls, fully enclosed!