MicroFlora?

A gentle, diffused sunlight filters through the morning mist here in Salisbury, the air still carrying a hint of the night’s chill. Typical for this time of year, a quiet, almost hesitant warmth is beginning to settle over the landscape.

So I was checking on this tiny terrarium I put together last fall, and honestly, it looked pretty sad for most of the winter. Like, seriously, I was about to give it the heave-ho. But, you know, nature’s a funny thing. Just when you think a plant is done for, it decides to pull itself together. And lo and behold, it’s bouncing back now that we’re finally getting some warmer days.

I was all set to yank out the grass plants, because, let’s face it, they’re going to go nuts and take over the whole thing. But then I took a closer look, and I kinda liked the way their spindly shapes contrasted with the other, chunkier plants in there. It’s like a little miniature wilderness, you know? A bit unruly, but charming in its own way.

Now, here’s the thing: I have absolutely no clue what half these plants are. I mean, I threw them in there because they looked cool, but now I’m curious. Anyone out there a terrarium whiz? Maybe I should post a picture in one of those plant ID groups on FB.

And then, I noticed a little empty spot in the front. It’s just begging for a tiny statue, right? I’m thinking ‘can my 3D printer handle something that small?’ I’ve already got a tiny Totoro in my other globe terrarium, which I often find lying on its back. But that’s on brand for a Totoro, isn’t it? So, I’m thinking, maybe a little gray cat? You know, like the neighbor’s cat Smokey that comes around for a few kibbles every evening. He’s a real character.

Yes, that sounds like just the thing this tiny terrarium needs. I’m going to 3D print a cat. Might as well sort out a few issues with the printer while I’m at it. I’ll let you know if that works.

And maybe I’ll even figure out what those plants are.