Did you know that fairy gardens really exist? They’re not just the stuff of fantasy. At least that’s what the Caring Fairies would like you to believe. And after walking through the fairy garden trail at Oso Creek in Mission Viejo, California recently, I do believe!

This series of 50 handmade fairy garden spots is equal parts art installation, tribute to nature, upcycling project, and magic. My kids had so much fun wandering through the trails of Oso Creek surrounding the Potocki Center to find these hidden gems.

 

While the group that organized this magical fairy garden exhibit has helpfully provided a map, it’s still left up to you the visitor to discover them all. We found that some were very easy to spot, especially by the Potocki Center as they were displayed there on two foot tall logs. But there were also many that were more hidden, under a branch, around a corner, behind a tree, waiting to be discovered. And each one was handmade and most likely done by different people (though of course, credit is given to the fairies so we’ll never know for certain).

 

What I loved most about this fairy garden display, was that it incorporated nature so clearly into each design.

Each fairy home was made using stones, leaves, twigs, and other natural materials. There was also a lot of upcycled materials used as well which I found very clever.

By celebrating nature in this way, it also draws a clear connection to the importance of preserving our natural habitats (be it for flora, fauna, or fairy) and the reverence we should feel for the beauty and magic of this planet.

Many of these fairy houses also included inspiration quotes about nature, magic, and the power of positivity. This part may have been lost on my young children, but for the older ones and adults the message was clear: love the planet, love each other, love giving love.

If you’re looking for fairy garden inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.

Below are 50 photos of all the fairy homes I could find, including but not limited to a fairy cottage, fairy coffee shop, fairy library, fairy school, fairy playground, fairy castle, cricket amphitheater, snail trail, and even a troll bridge! We also found Tinkerbell and Pixie Hollow.

Here we go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tell me in the comments below: I know there are too many to choose from, but which fairy garden is your favorite? 

 

• California
• Fairy Garden
• Orange County