I thought I'd share my latest project: my first miniature aquascape. Total cost: approx
£40.00.Vase / candle holder bought from The Range for £7.99.
Remove all the ugly 'rope' and the metal band.
2KG of fine natural Gravel from Aquatics Supplies shop @ £3.95 + similar quantity of John Innes No 3 potting compost @ approx £3.
Add potting compost to a depth of approx 20mm and firm it down.
Add approx 10mm layer of gravel. Make sure the gravel is thoroughly rinsed before using.
Less than 1KG of Rock from Aquatics Supplies shop @ less than £2. Superglue @ £1. Small piece of Java Fern from Aquatics Supplies shop @ £3 - £5. Superglue the 'rhizone' (the woody part the leaves grow from ) onto the largest peice of rock.
Place rock in a pleasing arrangement towards the centre of the jar. Then top up with the remaining gravel making a layer approx 30mm deep.
Ikea sell verious aquatic plants in pots of water @ £2 each. Two small pots of 'Monte Carlo' carpeting plant from Aquatics Supplies shop @ £3.65 each.
Break apart the 'Monte Carlo' into small sections and, using tweezers, gently push into the gravel spaced apart giving room to spread out.
Eventually, the Monto Carlo will, hopefully, spread out and create a 'carpet' of green.
Place a small plastic bag over the 'Monte Carlo' and gently pour water onto the plastic to avoid disturbing the plants
Add the stem plants at the back, behind the rocks.
I should have made my gravel layer a bit deeper. Make sure it's about 20mm of soil with about 30mm of gravel on top.
Place in a bright place.