Littlewood Gardens

Littlewood Gardens

Tuesday 9 September 2014

Littlewood @ Four Seasons Flower and Gift shoppe

Pass by Four Seasons Flower and Gift shoppe to check out some of our new creations!
650 King Street East,  Oshawa




Tuesday 19 August 2014

The best corner for a happy Moss Terrarium


Think about your house and where you think plants will do better, with some sunlight: usually it will be somewhere close to an opening, a glass door or a window, where the plant can receive some direct and indirect sunlight.

Those are the places where you should never have your terrarium.




With moss, you have to think reversed - where I can never put my plants? That’s where moss will love to be !

Moss Terrariums love basements, offices, bookcases and corners without natural light. Just provide them with some lamp light, and you will have a beautiful moss Terrarium for many years.

Friday 1 August 2014

So happy to see you!

 A Littlewood Terrarium is a very original way to say "I love you"!
This beautiful glass contains three different types of moss, and a sweet message that your love will never forget!

Wednesday 30 July 2014

Friday 30 May 2014

Where does moss come from? Is it sustainable?

The moss used in Littlewood Terrariums comes from my own garden and from responsibly collecting some plants in allowed areas. When I started to pay attention to moss, I could see it everywhere! It is amazing how it is present all around us, there is moss in parks, trees, even growing over rocks and walls.

I collected many different species and made terrariums with them. After many experiences, I found out that some species are better suited for life inside glass than others, some give more work because you have to collect dead leaves, and others, as they grow over the dead leaves using them as structure and support, don't give almost any work at all, like my beloved cushion moss.

While learning from trial and error about the plants preferences in a closed environment, I discovered that some combinations as mosses and lichens do not work at all. The presence of lichens will eventually create mold in your terrarium, and will end up by killing the moss.

The more I learned about mosses, collecting and experimenting with different species, I became concerned about the sustainability of working with those amazing little plants. I found out that collecting is fine if you take some individuals of the colony, but not the whole thing. Some moss colonies are huge, so responsible sampling does not cause any harm. Discovering areas where development will happen, and under permission collect some plants is also a good way to preserve them.

Another concern I have is not to work with endangered species. Unfortunately even mosses suffer the consequences of human actions, and there are some species that are fighting to survive. I constantly research about those species in a conscious effort to preserve them.

I also decided not to work anymore with Reindeer moss, because it is considered endangered in many places, even if it is still largely commercialized. The Reindeer moss is actually a lichen, that constitutes one of the important food sources for caribou (reindeer). It grows slowly and an area may take decades to recover after being exploited. So, I chose to take them out of my Dry Terrariums line.

Littlewood Terrariums is deeply committed to preserve our environment, only working with sustainable species.

Below, the mosses at risk listed by Species at Risk Public Registry of Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

  • Spoon-leaved Moss
Scientific Name: Bryoandersonia illecebra

More information here:
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPag/MNR_SAR_SPN_LVD_MSS_EN.html

Image here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/voodoosnakes/5464119226/

  • Incurved Grizzled Moss
Scientific Name: Ptychomitrium incurvum

More information here:
http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=734

Image here:
http://plantdb.biology.duke.edu:8080/BryoImages/Ptychomitrium_incurvum/Ptychomitrium_incurvum_66752_h.jpg


  • Pygmy Pocket Moss
Scientific Name: Fissidens exilis

More information here:
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPage/MNR_SAR_PYGMY_PCKT_MSS_EN.html

Image here:
http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/jds/iow/Fattingpark/Fissidensexilis.jpg



Monday 12 May 2014

Fishermen

This terrarium was made for somebody that works in a busy office and loves to go fishing during vacations. This little garden is now at the work desk, a scene that relaxes and reminds of good moments in life.

Tuesday 6 May 2014

Blue Rose fairy

A fairy living in a glass jar? I think I've already heard something like this before...

This terrarium is an excellent choice for beginners, the glass is resistant, the moss does not need cleaning and almost no water. Place it under shadow with just a few hours of indirect light. Moss loves artificial light, it will be happy with the illumination provided by a desk lamp.

Height: 13,5 cm/ 7"

Late spring for moss

This was a difficult winter in several parts of North America, and most of us wish never to hear the expression “polar vortex” again. Many areas were affected by ice storms, and it's many consequences, including fallen trees and damages in power lines.

But as this spring slowly starts to reveal the woods again, we can realize the long term effects of the ice storm. As I walk through parks and wooded areas of the region, I see all the broken trees, the mess of fallen branches, and the damage in the forest’s ground.

It seems like a late spring for moss, some of the places where last year large colonies were thriving green and strong now are pale and shy, still hidden under dry leaves.

Nature has it’s cycles, and sometimes destruction and chaos are part of it, only to rebuilt and renew everything. Moss is an old and tough little plant, that survives difficult conditions in almost every corner of the planet. It survived other ice storms in the past, and it will come back lush and green again.

But for the moment, we are still waiting for the green moss and the cherry blossoms, that are also late this year.

Saturday 15 March 2014

The Mermaid and the Diver



The meeting of a Mermaid and a Diver;
a scene that can only happen inside a Littlewood Moss Terrarium.

What would they talk about?

Pacific cows on the hills


Black and white cows,
walking around green hills.

This moss terrarium has a bucolic atmosphere.
A pastoral scene in your decor!


Tuesday 4 March 2014

Celebrating Love!

Celebrate Love, Laugh and Life!

This beautiful moss terrarium is an original and elegant choice that will bring a whimsical touch anywhere you place it!

Glass: 27 cm height

Monday 3 March 2014

The artist's view



I Do!

Let's walk together, under good and bad weather?
Love just happens, sunshine or snow...

This moss terrarium celebrating marriage is an original gift. The little figurines measure only 21 mm, and can be personalized - hair color, dress color and details.

Glass: 25 cm height


Saturday 1 March 2014

Because of You!

Springtime will soon spread romance in the air... This terrarium is an original gift to a couple getting married this season. It can also be an elegant decoration, your guests will be delighted!

Glass: 35 cm height.

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Summer Green fields

Horses are wonderful company! Those long summer days, enjoying nature and horseback riding on the green fields...

This terrarium brings a touch of fun and enjoyment anywhere you place it!
Glass: 14 cm height.

Tuesday 11 February 2014

Monday 10 February 2014

Terrariums & Water

Less is always better!

When it comes to water your terrariums,
only spray gently once or twice a month, if necessary.

Mosses absorb water through their leaves system, not from the roots.

If your terrarium gets soaked, the plants will die.

The stone layer should never have water.
In case of too much humidity, try leaving the terrarium without the cover for a few hours.

Wednesday 5 February 2014

In the small bottles you find the cutest terrariums!

This small terrarium has a violinist playing just for you.

Glass height: 10cm
Violinist: 21mm

Friday 31 January 2014

The Fairy in the Hill

 

 

This moss comes from the Black mountain, high there on the top, from where one can see the lake. I guess I brought a fairy back with me.

Fairy Moss


This mushroom shaped glass is just perfect for moss. Pure enchantment!

MudBug Band


What a nice place to meet at the end of the day,
and why not have some music?
The MudBug Band plays tonight!

This terrarium is a great option,
easy to care for and with lots of presence.