Cold weather is trickling into weather reports again, which means you’ll soon be heading back to the not-so-great indoors. So why not take Mother Nature with you? Green-thumbed genius Edie April, from Johnson’s Florist & Garden Centers, has given us a how-to on DIY terrariums.

What you’ll need:
A clear glass container
Small pebbles (use river gravel or tumbled glass for a rustic look)
Charcoal (optional but recommended)
Soil (Gardener’s Gold is best)
Any small, moisture-loving plant (e.g., club mosses, maidenhair ferns, table ferns, etc.)

1. Cover the bottom of your container with a 1.5- to two-inch layer of pebbles. This will provide a place for excess water to drain.

2. Place thin layer (about half an inch) of charcoal on top of pebbles to act as filter (optional).

3. Put enough soil over charcoal and/or pebbles so that the root bulb of your plant is completely covered.

4. Gently bury your plant’s root in the soil.

5. For character, place figurines, colored sand, or small rocks on top of soil (optional).

6. Make sure your terrarium gets indirect sunlight every day. When the surface of the soil feels dry, water just enough so that soil is moist (never muddy).

7. Brag to all your friends about being the sole proprietor of your own mini-ecosystem.

All materials available at Johnson’s Florist & Garden Centers, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue NW, at Van Ness Street (202-244-6100 or johnsonsflorists.com).

Photo Credit: Ann Wood