MAKING A NATIVE PLANT TERRARIUM

An ""almost complete ecosystem"" enclosed in glass or plastic, a terrarium is fun, easy to care for, and ""can be whatever you want it to be."" You can make one in a discarded casserole dish, pickle jar, or coffee pot; just make sure you can get your hand inside. Cover it if the mouth is wide, put in some sterilized soil and some plants you can dig up yourself, and landscape as desired. Herda adds some general tips on terrarium care plus specific requirements of listed, recommended plants, and a few suggestions for starting some from seed. The book's drab appearance won't attract new hobbyists, and not everyone has legal access to free, growing plants. Otherwise, the simple instructions and procedures are geared to the youngest gardeners, and usable at home or school.