How the miniature garden works: layers and functions
Below the visible landscape, the components work together. The water tray holds water; above it, the capillary mat helps transport moisture towards the growing medium. The substrate panel gives the planted areas their structure, leaving you free to design the surface with plants, paths and open spaces.
Capillary action allows moisture to move through the fabric towards the growing medium. Water needs depend on the plants, their position and the temperature. The reservoir helps supply water but still needs regular checking.
Included in the starter set
- Wooden frame with base panel
Surrounds the landscape and supports the base assembly. The wooden frame is not watertight.
- Shallow water tray
A separate black tray with a low rim and moulded ribs and channels in its base. The recesses store water below the mat and collect returning water.
- Filter and capillary mat
The white mat rests on the ribs above the tray’s recesses and below the cell panel. It filters and helps transport moisture towards the growing medium.
- Separate cell/substrate panel
A separate taller black panel above the mat. Its many small openings hold growing medium for the planted areas.
- Growing medium
Fills the cell panel’s openings. Consider each plant’s growing-medium requirements when choosing plants.
- Sand, chippings and gravel
Form paths and decorative areas side by side, rather than three required layers stacked on top of each other.
Four steps to your miniature garden
The pleasure is in making it. Try out lines and open spaces, change the course of a path and let your idea take shape. Just three to five clearly defined areas can create a tiny world with plenty of character.
The finished garden surface sits approximately 3–5 mm below the top edge of the frame. The frame is already assembled; you arrange the inner layers and design the surface.
Prepare the base
Place the water tray on a level, stable surface. Lay the capillary mat inside with its coated side facing up, then place the substrate panel on top.
Add the substrate
Fill the openings with substrate and moisten gently. Top up any substrate that settles; watch the water level in the tray and avoid overflowing.
Arrange your landscape
Position suitable plants and decorative areas. Thin, flexible strips can serve as temporary boundaries while you spread the materials.
Place it in the frame
Set the prepared unit into the assembled wooden frame. Use sand, chippings and gravel for paths and open areas; optional figures add small focal points. The finished garden surface sits approximately 3–5 mm below the top edge of the frame.
Paths, open spaces and small focal points
Small materials, a big impression
A gravel path leads the eye, pale sand creates calm open space and dark chippings add contrast. Give paths and planted islands room, and try out an arrangement you enjoy. Choose plants separately with compatible light and watering needs.
Your design at a glance
A path between green islands, an open stretch of pale sand, a small focal point at the edge: your miniature garden becomes a landscape that is yours alone. On a table, a suitable windowsill or in the office, the frame and landscaping materials become a personal little garden.
The light finish gives the design a bright, natural surround. The dark-stained finish creates a stronger frame around plants and natural materials. Both finishes include the same growing base and leave room for your own ideas.
Eight details at a glance
- Frame arrives assembled, with base panel
- Beech/birch wood depending on availability
- Base panel often made from birch
- Water tray serves as a reservoir and collects returning water
- Filter/capillary mat helps transport moisture towards the growing medium
- Substrate panel holds growing medium in its openings
- Sand, chippings and gravel for decorative paths and surfaces included
- Finished garden surface approx. 3–5 mm below the top rim
Included in the starter set
Beech/birch wood is used for the frame and base panel depending on availability; the base panel is often made from birch. The versions are nearly identical in appearance and equivalent in quality. Choose a light or dark-stained finish.
Contents: one wooden frame in the selected finish with base panel, one water tray, one capillary mat, one substrate panel, substrate, sand, chippings and gravel. Plants, furniture and additional decorations are sold separately. Delivery within the EU only.
For your next design ideas
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Extra-fine anthracite basalt chippings – 1 kg
Basalt chippings: dark paths and contrasts
View product: Extra-fine anthracite basalt chippings – 1 kgRegular price €3,95 EURRegular priceUnit price €3,95/kg -
Natural-coloured fine gravel for miniature gardens – 1 kg
Fine gravel: natural paths and transitions
View product: Natural-coloured fine gravel for miniature gardens – 1 kgRegular price €2,95 EURRegular priceUnit price €2,95/kg -
Pale fine sand for miniature gardens – 1 kg
Fine sand: pale surfaces and beach scenes
View product: Pale fine sand for miniature gardens – 1 kgRegular price €1,95 EURRegular priceUnit price €1,95/kg -
Miniature garden tools – 3-piece decorative set
Miniature tools: decorative garden details
View product: Miniature garden tools – 3-piece decorative setRegular price €5,95 EURRegular priceUnit price €1,98 each -
Trude decorative sheep for miniature gardens
Trude decorative sheep: a friendly focal point
View product: Trude decorative sheep for miniature gardensRegular price €4,90 EURRegular price
Plant care and your next design ideas
Choose plants with compatible light and watering needs. Their requirements determine the position, watering and ongoing care. Check the reservoir regularly. For planting with low water requirements, the instructions explain that removing the mat reduces or stops capillary watering.
Check the water level and water slowly. The wooden frame is not watertight; avoid escaping water and keep the garden away from electrical equipment. It contains small parts and is not a toy – keep out of reach of children and animals.
Good to know before you begin
Do I need to assemble the wooden frame?
The wooden frame arrives assembled with its base panel. You arrange the inner layers, add the substrate and then design your landscape.
Are the plants shown in the images included?
You choose your own plants. The starter set contains the frame and inner components, substrate, sand, chippings and gravel. Plants, furniture and additional decorations are not included.
How often should I water the miniature garden?
There is no fixed schedule: the plants, their position and the temperature determine their needs. Check the substrate and water level regularly and water slowly to avoid overflowing the tray.
Can I combine plants with different watering needs?
For a shared arrangement, choose plants with similar light and water requirements wherever possible. For plants with low water needs, the instructions explain that removing the mat can reduce or stop capillary watering.
Where should I start if I do not have a design in mind?
Begin with three to five areas and try out their arrangement before filling them. A gravel path, a sand area and a few planted islands already create a clear design. The six-page German guide explains the assembly and the next steps.
Manufacturer and product information
