How to Create a Glass Cloche with Fern Fronds Display

how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds

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Ferns are fantastic plants which tend to be a pretty hardy for either outdoor or indoor use.  We are lucky to have ferns in our backyard. When we first moved into our home almost 20 years ago one of the first things we did was clean up and landscape the backyard, since we had littles and the yard was unsafe. We installed a rock wall which divides the top portion of the space with the bottom yard with a rock wall. Ferns have organically sprouted from the wall. I am guessing the previous owners had ferns, and these plants just fought their way through. Lucky for us since they are fantastic and soften up the rock wall.

how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds

Looking at all the ferns popping on our rock wall with the new growth and bright green goodness inspired me to bring them indoors to enjoy further. Today I am adding fern fronds under glass for cloche displays, but you can also read this post when I added fern fronds in glass vases {easy fern decor in water with clear glass vases}. Please join me as we get busy creating mini gardens using glass cloches and fern fronds.

how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds

The term “cloche” is derived from the French word for “bell”. Glass cloches are bell shaped covers used to protect displays. Traditionally cloches were used to protect plants and create a mini greenhouse effect. Cloches not only look beautiful, they make for low-maintenance plant care too. The enclosed environment acts as a mini ecosystem.

how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds

Cloches provide a constant level of humidity by allowing moisture to recycle. These hothouse conditions make them ideal for humidity-loving tropical plants that thrive in a moist, warm environment. Ferns are ideal candidates for these conditions.

I created three different organic bases for the fern fronds to thrive in. This provides variety and different options for display choices. Step by step instructions all the options are described below. Use what works best for you or use them all. I hope this inspires for some organic decor to mirror the great outdoors.

how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds
  • Glass Dome (s)
  • Cloche Base (s) (plate, bowl, etc.)
  • Fern Fronds
  • Organic Base (pebbles, floral foam, etc.)
  • Glass Vase
  • Top Dressing (moss, rocks, mulch, etc.)
  • Decorative accents (mushrooms, fairy garden pieces, bird decor, etc.)

Crafting Pro Tip: Read all the instructions through once and then re-read everything again. This way, you are familiar with everything you need and know what to expect.

  • Read instructions thoroughly and assemble all supplies & tools
  • Clean glass domes and base vessels
  • Prep organic base
    • Option 1: arrange layer of small rocks on cloche dish and add water around rocks
    • Option 2: cut floral foam to fit inside base vessel & soak in water
    • Option 3: select a vase the proper scale for glass dome and fill with water
  • Insert fern fronds into water
    • Option 1: stick fern stems between and around rocks to stand upright touching water
    • Option 2: stick fern stems into floral foam with desired composition
    • Option 3: stick fern stems into vase reaching the water level
  • Add top dressing to cover mechanics and add depth and interest to display
    • Option 1: add moss or dirt in and around rocks and fern stems
    • Option 2: add moss to cover floral foam
    • Option 3: add moss around base of vase as decor accent for interest
  • Decorate remaining space with desired decorative pieces like mushrooms, branches, birds, fairy garden bits, etc.
  • Cover display with glass dome, tucking everything inside glass
  • Voila! Enjoy your fresh fern frond glass cloche display
how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds

Like with any floral arrangement keeping the optimal water level is key. Make sure to keep enough water in display to hydrate fronds. Misting the leaves is also a good idea, maintaining a high humidity inside the cloche. Ferns thrive with moisture.

how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds

A bright sunny space is ideal for the fern cloche display, but not in direct sunlight. The sun can scorch the leaves, which happens to the plants in the backyard. Unlike the plants in the yard, the cloche can be placed and moved to an optimal light source.

how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds

Each cloche display has a different vibe. The tall cloche with the vase is the cleanest aesthetic and the easiest to assemble. The medium sized cloche with the river rocks is the most organic and rustic, but was the hardest to put together. The largest cloche with the floral foam is my favorite technique since the foam allows perfect placement of the fronds and decor accents.

how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds

This fern arrangement will last similar to a floral arrangement. It should last about a week to ten days depending on environment. If you would like something longer lasting, consider placing a planted fern plant under a cloche dome. The maintenance and care is very similar to the fern fronds, I would also recommend regular fertilizing.

how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds

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I hope these fun fern frond displays encourage you to bring some nature inside. Our outdoor gardens are all looking so good right now and enjoying them indoors in some way just spreads more happiness. I’m hoping these fern displays last a bit since I am digging the organic vibes inside.

how to create a glass cloche display with fresh fern fronds

The vegetable garden is planted for the season, and we have added a few new elements to the garden. I will share more soon. Thank you for stopping by today and sharing a part of your day with me. I hope to see you again soon. Au revoir!

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7 Comments

  1. LOVE this Mary Jo! One thing I miss about the PNW is the abundance of ferns everywhere. I love how these turned out. And, they can be done w/real or faux! Featuring when my party opens.