Terrariums by Greg turns tiny ecosystems into décor do’s

If, as the Chinese proverb tells us, ‘Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still,’ then there should be beauty in having small things blossom into cohesive designs for home décor. Terrariums are built in bottles, jars, fish-bowls, or any other glass containers including vases, and have earned the title of low-maintenance indoor gardens and mini greenhouse spaces.

The tiny ecosystems have been transformed into a blooming business for Gregory Ivey, who says that he ventured into making terrariums only two years ago, but has since caught the attention of many.

“I am no expert, but I am getting there. I don’t find a lot of persons within my age group in this field, much less making terrariums, and it’s always sort of intriguing for the plant experts when they look up and see my face and realise who is asking the question. They are usually older persons, and they always want to share their knowledge with me,” he told Saturday Living.

The company, Terrariums by Greg, provides unique designs and offers a digital manual on caring for the glass-jar gardens.

Most of the plants Ivey uses are grown or sourced. While the bottles range from bought to recycled, “because I do care about the sustainability of my business in creating long-term value by taking into consideration the environment”. Ivey shared that terrariums are great for individuals living in small spaces, earthy-themed homes and even commercial spaces or for anyone who enjoys garden views.

“Most are low maintenance. Plants don’t rack up the bills like children do; they don’t mess up the carpets or yard like pets do,” he said jokingly.

For some, it is the colours; for others, it is the textures, and some persons enjoy the detailing, but when it comes to sprucing up a home, plants are a staple, and terrariums are a décor do. Terrariums by Greg typically uses foliage plants and plants that grow slowly, such as Peperomia, Fittonia, also known as ‘nerve plant’, succulents such as cactus and the Hawthornia, as well as ferns which grow beautifully in these types of environments.

“This was an organic business idea (pun intended), and this has been the best year yet. Oftentimes, clients will send me ideas to recreate, and I am moving away from making generic types of terrariums. I also see where I am moving into growing more plants which is ironic because as a child, I didn’t like plants at all, and I have my father and grandmother to thank for that influence. My father is actually the one who first inspired me to make terrariums — he used to make them when I was younger,” he said. “I have been practising water propagation, and I go out of town to source moss — Portland has a good source of moss genera. I want to start doing more one-of-a-kind pieces, instead of people coming with orders. Another idea I have is to recreate famous movie scenes, so I am currently working on a Jurassic Park-themed terrarium.”

The price ranges from US$23 to US$125, but can vary with customisations of plants and glass containers.

Terrariums can either be open or sealed. The plants and the soil in the terrarium release water vapour, essentially recycling water. The vapour is then collected onto the walls of the vessel and trickles down to the soil; this is how they manage to be self-nourishing and require little maintenance, if sealed. They can also survive using artificial (LED) light.

Ivey says Jamaicans are rediscovering their green attitude because people realise plants are not unforgiving, and investing in a terrarium is another way to get back to nature, especially when in a concrete jungle ruled by technological advancements.

“Plants are really inspiring to me because even when they appear down and out, just a little care and time can help them spring to life. Overall, taking care of something and seeing it thrive gives you a sense of pride. I have had tonnes of plants, and I feel horrible when they don’t make it; when they do make it, it is the complete opposite and [an] optimistic feeling,” Ivey said.

Terrariums By Greg is on Instagram @terrariumsbygreg. You may also call (876) 822-3418.

stephanie.lyew@gleanerjm.com

Five easy care tips:

1. Give the terrarium a few sprays of water.

2. Don’t place in direct sunlight: when this is done, heat gets trapped inside the bottle and creates an oven effect which is always bad news.

3. Make sure to remove yellow and brown leaves from any plants in your terrarium. This is typically a sign of disease or pests.

4. If you choose to grow ferns, trim leaves to prevent them from overgrowing.

5. If you have a closed terrarium, you may want to remove the lid every now and then to let in some fresh air.