DIY Gnome Garden

My mom, sister, and I were shopping a few weeks back at Gordman's when she found gnome and fairy garden accessory kits. She said her best friend had one and how cool it was. She was tempted to buy a kit herself, but I reminded her that Mother's Day and her birthday were coming up.

So my sister, brother, and I went in together to make my mom a Gnome Garden. Of course, I'm the one who ended up doing all the shopping and the work. I'm not much of a gardener, but it was still a fun,quick little project. Would be great to do with kids as well!

I started with this Echo Valley Gnome Garden Accessory Kit. I picked mine up at Gordman's for $19.99 but used an in-store 20% coupon to get it for $16 + tax. I saw the same kit at Menards for $19.99 as well. Although the box shows this picture on the front, it only includes the accessories, not the plants, soil, pot, etc.

Echo Valley Gnome Garden Accessory Kit

The kit includes:
-Gnome figurine
-Birdbath
-48" fencing
-Chair
-Wheelbarrow and shovel
-Birdhouse on stake
-Arbor


I found the perfect planter at Hobby Lobby and it was 40% off.

My local Menards also carried a couple additional accessories, I purchased a trellis there for $2.99. I also purchased a bag of potting soil there.
As far as the plants go, the kit actually had a list of recommended plants. Of course, I couldn't find most of them, but went off the list to find some herbs and ground cover.

The plants I purchased:
-Alternathera - Striking foliage is great as a background or accent for gardens or containers.
- Sperngeri 'Asparagus Fern' - Perfect foliage accent, attractive in containers.
- Crassula pelluicida variegata 'Calico Kitten'- Succulent. For rock gardens, containers and low-water plantings.
- Oregano
-Thyme


To put this Gnome Garden together, I started by filling the bottom of the planter with larger rocks from one of my own gardens at home (because I was too cheap to buy a whole bag of rocks when I only needed a few!). I then filled in the gaps with very fine rocks/sand that Dylan had in the garage for the winter months (he used to work in a rock quarry). I added the potting soil, leaving a couple inches of space at the top of the pot. I drew a quick blueprint in my head of how to lay out the plants, but then I just winged it. Turns out I may have bought one too many plants, the garden is pretty full and I'm not sure how much my mom will be able to expand it! After all the plants were in place, I scattered a few smaller rocks, added in the accessories, watered the plants, and it was done!

All supplies included, I spent about $50.

I can't wait to give it to my mom tomorrow. Because she has been eyeing them up for a while, I think she will love it! I personally adore it (I have a soft spot for gnomes) and might make myself one in the future!