This Moss is Boss

{My DIY marimo terrarium}

{You will need shells and a glass vase…I got my vase from Target}

{Marimo balls from Etsy}

{Ava and our finished zen garden}

One of my fondest memories as a child is cooking in the kitchen with mama — I guess you could say that any one-on-one time with my mom was and still remains a treasured time for me. As Hallmark-y as this sounds, with two kiddos of my own, I try to make memories that will leaving lasting impressions with them. So while I’m not the greatest cook, arts and crafts are for us. When I spotted about Marimo ball terrariums on Pinterest, I knew it was an activity both Ava and I would love.

After a little Googling, we learned that the marimo is a living moss ball found growing in lakes in Iceland, Scotland, Japan and Estonia. Each lake’s current swirls the little plant around and around so it grows naturally into a petite pom-pom shape. Its curious name is a portmanteau of two Japanese words, “mari,” meaning “bouncy ball,” and “mo,” a term for plants that grow underwater. 

This sweet, sphere-shaped creature is adored around the globe: the Japanese believe that it brings good luck, and in Iceland it is believed that a well-loved marimo makes wishes come true!

And you know I’m all about ushering a little good fortune into my home. Who isn’t?

So after some beach combing for seashells, a jaunt to Target for the vase and a little shopping for the marimo balls on Etsy, behold our marimo Zen garden. We placed ours atop the living room coffee table as it makes for a great conversation piece.

Here’s to hoping it brings good vibes our way and to you, too.