How to Create a Magical Backyard Fairy Ring

Transform a patch of grass into an oh-so-enchanting play area.

March 05, 2020

By: Morgan Faulkner

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Photo By: Shain Rievley

Enchanting Playground

Brimming with whimsical plants and playful accents, this made-from-scratch fairy ring is a landing pad for creativity and imagination right in your own backyard.

Artificial Underfoot

Never worry about mowing this magical spot. Lay down a piece of artificial grass to serve as the base of the ring. Not only does this cut down on maintenance, but it creates a mud-free play zone for little ones. Pro tip: Choose a shady spot for this project as artificial turf gets hot in direct sunlight. Follow our step-by-step instructions below to learn how to install turf.

LEARN HOW: How to Install Artificial Grass

Plant a Colorful Surround

Enclose the fairy ring with leafy plants and blooms for an ultra-enchanting feel. Bonus points if you pick fairy-friendly plants — we linked some great ones below.

GET INSPIRED: 23 Fairy Garden Flowers and Plants

Wispy Blooms

Add a dose of whimsy by choosing plants that are fun and unique in color and texture like the tickseed seen here. Just make sure they'll thrive in your soil and sun conditions.

Mix and Match

Pair tall "thriller" plants like white garlic with trailing vines like mandevilla.

Stack 'Em

Stack landscaping rocks along the perimeter of the garden bed to create a barrier between the plants and the play area.

Enter Here

Don't forget to leave an opening for fairies and little ones alike.

Whimsical Accents

Butterflies and ladybugs and fairies, oh my! Take the blooms up a notch with fun clip-on accessories. Want to attract the real thing? Plant pollinator-friendly blooms.

GET INSPIRED: Attract a Host of Pollinators With a Backyard Pollinator Garden Perfect for Containers

Nature-Inspired Furniture

A faux wood stump serves as a mini table for tea parties.

Have a Seat

Give fairy friends a place to sit back and relax. Scatter tiny accessories like chairs, tents and tables throughout.

MORE IDEAS: Fairy Garden Decorations

DIY Opportunity

Upgrade plain flower pots by painting them a bright shade like fuchsia, then add charming accents with stencils and paint. This is a great project for older kids!

A Fairy Welcome

After the paint has dried, fill the pots with colorful plants and place around the ring where needed.

Illuminate the Space

Add light and color overhead with lightweight lanterns. Tie sturdy jute rope from two trees or posts, then tie the lanterns onto the rope at various intervals. Optionally, crisscross two ropes to add even more lanterns throughout.

Safety First

Keep the space illuminated as the sun sets with battery-operated tealight candles — no real flame here.

Magical Mushroom

Add fun finishing touches like this mushroom sculpture or some sweet garden gnomes.

Fairy Garden Goals

Ta-da! Your magical fairy ring is now open for business.

Tea Time

Get the kiddos away from their screens and let their imaginations run wild in their very own fairy play area. Tea, anyone?