Terraria

Everyone knows what a terrarium is.  The glass container – anything from an old aquarium to a large brandy snifter to a cute leaded glass enclosure from the eclectic design store – containing a few pretty little plants from the local plant shop, home improvement store or even grocery store.

But a terrarium can be a very special environment.  They can be as large and dramatic as you wish.  They can be designed to create specific environmental conditions for special collections of plants.  They can match any décor.

The forerunner of the modern terrarium was the Wardian case.  The Wardian Case was developed circa 1829 by Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward in order to provide a protected, appropriate environment in which to keep orchids, ferns and other tropical plants.  This was during the heyday of the Victorian plant adventurer/collectors, who traveled the globe, bringing back all sorts of exotic plants that thrilled Western European and American enthusiasts, but were difficult to maintain in these temperate climates and, often, polluted city atmospheres.  Considered by many to be the forerunner of the terrarium, Wardian Cases were usually intricately decorated enclosures meant to look good in Victorian parlors and sitting rooms.  They did indeed improve the success rate with these plants, but were, of course, limited by the technological capabilities of the day.  Replicas of these original designs are available today from various manufacturers.  However, like the originals, they lack modern technological components and are, therefore, of limited utility.  They are primarily useful as interesting decorative pieces for Victorian interior designs.

Secret Environments can create custom Wardian Cases of any size, configuration and design, to fit any décor.  But further, these custom Cases include modern systems to create precisely the kind of environment required by the specific kinds of orchids or other plants you intend to display.  You will be able to grow, bloom and display your specimen plants right in your home or office, in an impressive centerpiece work of art, with no need to have guests tromp out to the greenhouse, and without the kinds of risks involved with greenhouses, such as insect infestations and exposure to diseases in the more vulnerable greenhouse, or brought in by other plants and people.  And your plants are right there where you spend your time, in your living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or office, to be enjoyed all the time.

Your Wardian Case can incorporate the same kinds of materials (wood, stone, hardware, etc.) used in your home.  We can work with your architect to have it built into your home during construction, or it can be created at any time as a free-standing piece to add to your décor.  We will include systems to provide lighting, photoperiods, temperature, humidity, air circulation, watering, drainage, seasonal variations and other environmental conditions to meet your specifications.