Terrariums

Some time ago, I went to different bookstores scouting for a book about indoor gardening. Not the type of covered roof enclosing the plants in a greenhouse because that would be ridiculously expensive but, something like a bottled terrarium. So after tending a fairly huge garden for many years, I thought of doing something smaller in scale but to no avail.

Then out of nowhere while I was reading the local papers, a short article about glass terrariums sparked my sleeping interest anew. Since it was going to be a friend's birthday and I wanted to surprise her with something different. This is going to be a nicer surprise.

Off I went to visit this small cafe that also served as the hideaway of a man whose hobby was to create miniature glass enclosed plants. He wasn't there the first time I visited so I was entertained by a younger lady who spoke with a British accent ( and I'm a sucker for accents).

"How lovely are the bottled terrariums!" I spoke as I was meticulously eyeing the samples laid on the table. "May I inquire as to the cost of this one? (while holding a small bottle). I almost dropped it because it wasn't inexpensive. The bottle was even smaller than my fist but the price, my dear, is equivalent to three hours of a Thai massage and they don't look nice to give as a present.

Since I don't want to be taunted as a cheapskate, I asked for something bigger, even bigger than my head, or ego perhaps, to give as a gift to my beloved colleague. Oh, surprise of all surprises, I cannot get it on the same day as they needed a week to organize the materials and set them up. I was very sorry for not being able to give it to my friend on her special day but a week wasn't that bad as a wait. So off I went lighter, wallet-wise. 

I received four e-mails in a span of six days from the owner until I was asked to pick up the coveted present. I was giddy because I get to look first hand the masterpiece the artist had created as I had seen it only on the net. The owner of the shop was there and I finally met the apple of my eye, I mean, the man behind the e-mails. 

"Hello!" And some handshakes and of course another set of bills to pay in full. Off I went to my friend's house and she was ecstatic to see the gift, a garden of her own, in a huge mayonnaise jar. I was so scared that I might drop it along the way since I was riding a motorbike. 

I am signing up for a course or may look up on the net about terrarium gardening. So if I find some spare time, I will be just home cooking up something new, a terrarium of my own.

My gift to my colleague.