Gardens Under Glass: Exploring the Possibilities of Terrarium Gardening
Past eventThu., July 9, 2026, 2:30–5 p.m.
Free with reservation
Ahmanson Classroom and Plant Sale Nursery
James Downer’s expertise includes management of garden landscapes large and small. This presentation will focus on the latter. Terrariums are contained ecosystems that can be "landscaped" as desired. The focus of these tiny gardens may be plants, but other variations such as paludariums incorporate animals and water. Downer will discuss the role of insects and other creatures in these settings as well as aspects of terrarium construction, including substrate, water, suitable/unsuitable plants, container types, lighting, and accoutrements such as sticks and rocks. A plant sale will follow the presentation.
Key Details
- Reservations are required to attend the talk.
- No entry to the grounds before 2 p.m.
- No early bird shopping.
- Rain or shine.
Top image: A terrarium garden of small plants. Photo by Brandon Tam | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.