How to Create a No Fuss Outdoor Fairy Garden

Each year around this time, a Summer Fairy Garden magically appears in the yard. Ok… so it’s not magic but it is most definitely magical. This post will help you create your very own, no fuss, fairy garden to enjoy all summer long.

I love when the fairies come to visit each summer. Such a fun way to bring a bit of whimsy to the yard! I carefully set it up just so, but invariably each morning it looks a little different. I think the fairies rearrange things while we sleep.

Yes, I suppose it might be Big Foot over there in the corner. After all, he does look somewhat guilty and this is a favorite tree for the squirrels of the neighborhood. I could believe that but it’s much more fun to think the fairies moved things around while they danced last night.

Either way, returning a gnome or two to an upright position once in awhile is all the maintenance required. Finding a good location and choosing the right flowers provides the no fuss garden you’re looking for.

Choosing a Location

Finding the perfect spot for your outdoor fairy garden requires a little thought. You’ll want a spot that does not get direct sunlight. Being a mile high here in Colorado, the summer sun fades just about everything. If you truly want a no fuss outdoor fairy garden, the largest tree in your yard would be ideal.

Mine is set beneath my favorite old maple which provides shade for most of the day and is a gorgeous backdrop for the garden. The sprinkler system takes care of the watering here so there is little maintenance needed. I added mulch around the base so the elements of the garden are not sitting in mud each time the water kicks on.

Low Maintenance Flowers and Plants

Choosing flowers and plants that require little care is the goal of a no fuss outdoor fairy garden. They must be able to handle a shady spot and provide vibrant color all summer long. Impatiens are a great choice. Not only do they thrive in a shady spot but they can handle all the water the sprinklers throw their way. Small and dainty, they are the perfect addition to your garden.

Pansies are another great option. They bring so much color and continuous blooms in the right conditions. Happiest in a cooler environment, the shade from the tree will help this spring flower survive the summer months. Once the cooler fall temperatures take hold, they will provide beautiful blooms for another few months.

Vincas can also be a great addition too. A vinca minor plant can thrive in a shady spot and much like impatiens, will bloom continuously. The vinca major requires a good portion of sunlight to be at its best. I have added one this year to the far side of the tree that gets afternoon sun. To date it is beautiful but I will watch it closely and move it if I need too. Some trial and error will help you when planning next year’s garden.

Fairies and Gnomes

The most important elements of an outdoor fairy garden are fairies of course! Well, fairies and a few gnomes maybe. You’ll want to choose ones that can handle the sun and the rain. Flowers brighten up any space but it is the fairies and gnomes that will bring a bit of whimsy to your yard. Be sure to check out the Create the Look section of the blog to find some options that will work well in your garden.

You’ll want to add them among the flowers and in unexpected places as well. Everyone knows that fairies are mischievous and love nothing more than to surprise you. Since they can fly, you might find one sitting on a treetop home.

Another might be resting in the shade of a mushroom…

… or near a pretty potted flower.

They love to gather and you may find a few simply enjoying each other’s company.

Adding a few gnomes here and there, while irritating to the fairies, bring another level of whimsy to your garden.

Miniature Houses

Miniature fairy houses really bring the garden to life. There are so many options available and so many ways to incorporate them into your design. Of course, available space will determine the size and the number of houses you’ll need.

I have added several different options to the Create the Look gallery. My garden has a few solar houses and I’m amazed how little sunlight they really need to charge. Others are just so cute in a fairy garden setting with a simple battery operated candle inside. !

Lighting Up Your Garden

The small details that make an outside fairy garden so amazing can really only be seen in the daylight. That being said, it would be a shame not to enjoy it in some way when the day is over! Lights of one type or another make a gorgeous focal point when sitting outdoors on a warm summer evening.

Should you choose solar houses, they will automatically come on at dusk with no effort on your part. I love my solar dwellings! However, they do not illuminate the pretty little fairies which are the very reason for the garden in the first place. I have added a solar spotlight to compensate for that.

I go a little bit further when guests are visiting and add my outdoor remote controlled tea lights. Set inside pretty colored jars, they bring a warmer glow than the spotlight can provide.

In Conclusion

If you’ve followed the tips above, you’ve created a no fuss outdoor fairy garden to enjoy all summer long! Realizing that not everyone has the space for such a large display, I’ve linked to a couple of options that you might find a better fit.

Fairies are such a beautiful way to bring a little bit of magic to your home. I’ve always found a way to work them in to my summer decor. They bring back some wonderful childhood memories of my own and several more from my “Tinkerbell” obsessed daughter in her younger years.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope this post has inspired you to create a fairy garden of your own. Be sure to stop by the Printable Library for a few fairy related prints that you may want to use. Always free to members, simply add your password, download, and print.

Not a member yet? Adding your email to the form below will have your password in your inbox in minutes! As a subscriber, you’ll always be the first to know of any updates and the weekly newsletter will keep you informed of the latest in seasonal decor.

See you soon!