Exhibit to Detail 1: Terrarium

The spaces I am looking at specifically are the Biospace and the Interactive Zone. In the Biospace, the exhibits mainly relate to the Biospace itself: specific information about the plants, animals and insects in the Space. These would take the form of traditional exhibits as seen in a zoo or museum, perhaps more interactive with computer screens as seems to be the norm these days. However, there is another exhibit I think would be very beneficial to the Space: terrariums.

A terrarium is an enclosed ecosystem which, when constructed correctly is self sufficient. It is basically the Biospace (if correctly maintained) on a miniature scale. Plants and worms may be contained within, and the system can be self watering, provided it is kept in the correct location.

It is my vision that there would be a space in the program for children to construct their own terrariums, perhaps in specialised workshops run on weekends or for special visits. There is area enough on the middle floor of the Biospace or the top floor to accomodate small groups of children. These could then be further monitored and displayed in the Biospace for other visitors to enjoy. Interestingly, we have previously constructed our own terrarium at home, images of which may be seen below.

 Terrarium before being sealed

 Terrarium day 1

Terrarium day 3... already you can see condensation starting to form.

The Burke's Backyard websit suggests these tips for terrariums:

·         Add a layer of gravel or small pebbles to the bottom of your container to assist with drainage. Cover this with a layer of charcoal (available from your local pet shop), to prevent the potting mix from becoming sour. Place a light layer of sphagnum moss over the top of the charcoal to prevent the potting mix from sifting down into the drainage area.

·         The best growing medium for terrariums is a good quality commercial potting mix that has been sterilised. Unsterilised homemade mixes may contain fungi and algae, which will spoil the terrarium. The potting mix should be slightly moist when placed on top of the sphagnum moss. For most containers you will need a minimum thickness of 3.5cm (but go easy - too much potting mix spoils the look of a terrarium).

·         You can reduce the root ball of plants in a closed terrarium by nearly half and it won’t harm plants, which can survive in this perpetually moist atmosphere with a reduced root area.

·         When using plants of different heights, group the taller plants in the middle of the terrarium. After planting, mist spray to clean any potting mix sticking to the leaves or sides of the container. The water from the mist will be sufficient to provide moisture and settle the potting mix. Keep the container uncovered until the leaves are completely dry, then close it and enjoy your little world.

http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/2003/archives/2003/in_the_garden/gardening_styles_and_features?p=3464

In our terrarium we had:

* silver squill

*philodendron

* anthurium

* a variety of succulents

* worms

* soil

* moss

* water

* air

*gravel

* charcoal

* rock

Although it wasn't a complete success, it still demonstrates that it is possible to construction something like this out of household items and recyclables. Terrariums come in all different shapes and sizes... a Google image search came up with these examples.

http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2007/10/18/terrariums-by-paula-hayes/

These are open terrariums, which are slightly different from the sealed system. They are also more like are pieces than they are functional, but they give an indication of what terrariums can be like.